Aloe vera - Burn plant, Aloe
Family Asphodelaceae
Description:
About two hundred species of Aloe are native to Africa and the Mediterranean. They range from small grass-like species to
plants with tall, branched trunks. The burn plant does not develop a trunk. Its
succulent leaves are about twelve inches long. The sap inside the leaves of
this species is used locally for treating burns and commercially for a wide
range of toiletries and cosmetics. As a result, it is cultivated around the
world. Attractive orange, tubular flowers are produced on stalks above the
foliage. Aloes are similar in appearance to agaves that are native to the Americas but
are not closely related to them.
The scientific names of burn plants are a bit confusing in Florida. More than one
species grows in Florida
gardens and more than one name has been applied to them. At the time of this
writing, the name Aloe vera is
accepted by the USDA for the most commonly cultivated species.
Location:
Plants can be seen along south wall of building 15.
Size:
Small herbaceous plant with a flower spike that can reach eighteen inches tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun to part shade
Water: well-drained soil, tolerates drought
Soil: very adaptable provided the soil drains well
This plant grows best in a dry site in part shade to sun. Plants
survive temperatues in the mid-20’s and literature suggests that the species is
hardy into the teens F. Jacksonville plants may benefit from protection during
exceptional cold spells.