Aloe Vera | Aloe Barbadensis Miller

Aloe vera is a herb with succulent leaves that are arranged in a rosette. The leaves are grey to green and sometimes have white spots on their surfaces. They have sharp, pinkish spines along their edges and are the source of the colourless gel found in many commercial and medicinal products. Aloe vera has yellow, tube-like flowers that cluster on a stem.

Aloe vera, the ‘plant of immortality’ according to Ancient Egyptians, is said to have been used by Cleopatra as part of her beauty regime more than 2,000 years ago.

Today, the gel inside Aloe vera leaves is the magic ingredient behind many sunburn remedies, cosmetic products, and tonics that aid digestion. Aloe vera is one of the most used plants in the world.

Source: Royal Botanic Gardens / Kew Gardens