Aloe striata, Coral Aloe, EXCELLENT FOR INDOOR HOME & GREENHOUSE 5 Seeds

Aloe striata is a stemless aloe with blue green leaves. The leaves are spineless having a smooth reddish margin without any teeth. Without the sun the margins remain green in color. Attractive coral red flowers are borne during the winter months on tall flat-topped inflorescences.

It grows in stony soils on rocky hillsides in arid areas near the coast and the drier inland karoo areas. As with most aloes, Aloe striata provide nectar during winter which is an important source of food for the attractive sunbirds and many other nectivorous birds during the cooler period of the year when food is not readily available.

They are fairly easy to cultivate and tolerate a wide variety of climatic conditions if it is planted in a well-drained soil in full sun and given adequate water but not over-watered. Propagation is from seed which grow fast, reaching flowering size in three to four years.

Care Information

Prefers well drained, sandy to loamy soil with pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. After establishment, water infrequently during the hot season. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring. Foliage color is best in full sun. Protect from afternoon sun and avoid reflected heat.

Perennial

Sun/shade

Zones: 9-11

Historical uses

Historical use of various Aloe species by humans is well documented. Documentation of the clinical effectiveness is available, although relatively limited.

Of the 299 species of Aloe, only a few were used traditionally as a herbal medicine, aloe vera again being the most commonly used version of aloe in herbal medicine. Also included are Aloe perryi (found in northeastern Africa) and Aloe ferox (found in South Africa). The Greeks and Romans used aloe vera to treat wounds. In the Middle Ages, the yellowish liquid found inside the leaves was favored as a purgative.   Processed aloe that contains aloin is generally used as a laxative, whereas processed aloe vera juice does not usually contain significant aloin.

Some species, particularly Aloe vera are used in alternative medicine and in the home first aids. Both the translucent inner pulp and the resinous yellow aloin from wounding the Aloe plant are used externally to relieve skin discomforts. As an herbal medicine, aloe vera juice is commonly used internally to relieve digestive discomfort "aloe for heartburn". Better Nutrition. 2007. "aloe alt med". "Aloe IBS study".. Some modern research suggests Aloe vera can significantly slow wound healing compared to normal protocols of treatment. Other reviews of randomised and controlled clinical trials have provided no evidence that Aloe vera has a strong medicinal effect.

Today, aloe vera is used both internally and externally on humans. The gel found in the leaves is used for soothing minor burns, wounds, and various skin conditions like eczema and ringworm. The extracted aloe vera juice aloe vera plant is used internally to treat a variety of digestive conditions. The use of this herbal medicine was popularized in the 1950s in many Western countries. The gel's effect is nearly immediate; it also applies a layer over wounds that is said to reduce the chance of any infection.

There have been relatively few studies about possible benefits of Aloe gel taken internally. Components of Aloe may inhibit tumor growth. There have been some studies in animal models which indicate that extracts of Aloe have a significant anti-hyperglycemic effect, and may be useful in treating Type II diabetes. These studies have not been confirmed in humans.

INTERESTING HISTORY OF ALOE VERA: The name was derived from Arabic meaning "bitter" because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves. In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded use of the herbal plant in treating burns, infections and parasites. Egyptian Queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti both gave tribute to aloe vera as one of their most important beauty secrets. Alexander the Great carried the aloe vera plant into battle to treat wounded soldiers. The plant dates back 6,000 years, and has been in use for all that time. Ancient Greeks, Arabs and Spaniards have used the plant throughout the millennia. African hunters still rub the gel on their bodies to reduce perspiration and their scent.