Common Name:

General Information

Aloe vaombe is a succulent, evergreen plant producing an unbranched stem up to 5 metres tall and 20cm in diameter[, ]. The stem is topped with a rosette of fleshy leaves[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. Like many Aloe species in Madagascar, this species is harvested from the wild for its leaf exudate. This dehydrated exudate, known as 'Madagascar Aloes', has been an important article in local and international trade[].

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

Range

Africa - southern Madagascar.

Habitat

Thicket, Inselberg/Rock Face at elevations below 500 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants can tolerate temperatures down to around zero, but can be badly damaged if it gets colder[].
Prefers a position in full sun, but can tolerate light shade[].
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

An infusion of the leaves is used as a treatment of yellow fever[].
The leaf juice is applied externally to treat skin lesions[].

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[].
Extracts of the leaves have shown anti-infectious activity in vivo, but no bactericidal activity was detected[]
In another test, administration of a gel extract called ‘Alva’ reduced the growth rate of fibrosarcoma and melanoma tumours[].

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[].
Division of suckers.

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