It has been proposed in Phytotaxa 76(1): 9 (2013) to transfer this taxon to the genus Aloidendron as Aloidendron tenuior (Haw.) R.R.Klopper & Gideon F.Sm.. This has been accepted in the African Plant Database[], but not as yet (2013) by the Kew 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families'[].

Common Name:

General Information

Aloe tenuior is an evergreen, succulent, sprawling shrub growing up to 3 metres tall[, ]. The plant produces a cluster of unbranched stems, each stem topped by a rosette of 12 - 20 erect to spreading leaves up to 19cm long and 2cm wide at the base[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for its use in herbal medicine[]. It is grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

The sap of Aloe species contains anthraquinones. These compounds have several beneficial medicinal actions, particularly as a laxative, and many species of Aloe are thus employed in traditional medicine. Whilst safe in small doses and for short periods of time, anthraquinones do have potential problems if used in excess. These include congestion and irritation of the pelvic organs[]. Long term use of anthraquinone laxatives may also play a role in development of colorectal cancer as they have genotoxic potential, and tumorigenic potential[].

Botanical References

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Range

Africa - S. Africa in Cape Province and Transkei.

Habitat

Dry thickets[]. Open country on sandy soil with Encephalartos longifolius, grasses, forbs, various members of the Mesembryanthemaceae and other small succulents. It rarely occurs in valley bushveld[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of mainly arid and semi-arid lowland areas in the tropics and subtropics. It is tolerant of at least light frosts[].
Prefers a position in full sun, but tolerates light shade[]. Tolerant of poor soils[]. Requires a well-drained, light to medium soil[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6.5 - 7, tolerating 6 - 7.5[]. Whilst the plant can withstand dry conditions, it will perform better with regular watering[].
The plant can flower almost all year round[].
Aloe species follow the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM plants can fix carbon dioxide at night and photosynthesize with closed stomata during the day, thus minimizing water loss. This, plus their succulent leaves and stems, and the presence of a thick cuticle, makes them well adapted to dry conditions[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The root is used as a treatment for expelling tapeworms from the body[]. It is recommended as a treatment for children[].

The leaves are used traditionally as a purgative and tapeworm remedy[].

The distinctive constituents in Aloe leaves are phenolic compounds, including chromone, anthraquinone or anthrone derivatives. Some of the compounds are found in many species, whereas others occur in only a few[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no specific information on this species - in general Aloes are sown in a sandy, well-drained potting soil in a warm, shady position in standard seed trays. Germination takes about three weeks. Cover the seed with a thin layer of sand (1 - 2mm), keep moist. The seedlings can be planted out in individual bags or containers as soon as they are large enough to handle[].
Stem cuttings. Easily produced, they should be allowed to dry for a few days and then planted directly into the required site[].

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