Aloe vera is an evergreen succulent, perennial plant belongs to Aloe genus. Aloe genus is belonging to Asphodelaceae family. There are about 580 species (including hybrids) in this genus. Burn Aloe originates from the Arabian Peninsula but has been widely cultivated around the world. It is widely naturalized in temperate and tropical regions of the world, including; South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, south eastern US states, Australia, North Africa, Canary Islands and southern Spain. It is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses. Aloe barbadensis is synonyms, Burn Aloe, First Aid Plant some of the names given to the plant. The species epithet “vera” means true. The name “aloe” is from the Greek alsos and refers to the bitter juice from the leaves of these plants.

Aloe vera is a short-stemmed plant growing to 80–100 cm tall, spreading by offsets. The green to grey-green leaves are thick and fleshy. Some varieties show white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in spring, on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow or orange colour tubular corolla 2–3 cm long.

Burn Aloe has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with gardeners as a medicinal plant and for its interesting flowers, form, and succulence. This succulence enables the species to survive in areas of low rainfall. They are ideal for rockeries and other low water-use gardens. Aloe vera cannot withstand the freeze under -4˚C. It is relatively resistant to most insect pests, although spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and aphids may attack the plant.

Burn Aloe requires well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions. It can burn under too much sun or shrivel when the pot does not drain water. Potted aloes can become crowded with pups growing from the sides of the mother plant. Plants that have become crowded should be divided and repotted to allow room for further growth. Aloe vera may become dormant in winter, so does not require watering.

Use in Landscape: Burn Aloe is the most widely cultivated aloe in the world. It is grown mainly as medicinal, ornamental or as an accent plant. It is valued by gardeners for its architectural qualities, its succulent grey-green leaves, large bright yellow or orange colour flowers. All over the world, millions of people keep Aloe vera in their garden for as a first aid plant.

Burn Aloe has been used in traditional medicine for more than 5000 years. Early records of this plants use, appear in the Ebers Papyrus from the 16th century BC. The plant is still used widely in the traditional herbal medicine of many countries.

Aloe vera extracts have antibacterial and antifungal activities, which may help in the treatment of minor skin infections. Extracts may be useful in the treatment of wound and burn healing, minor skin infections, diabetes, and elevated blood lipids in humans. These positive effects are thought to be due to the presence of compounds such as polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones, C-glycosides and lectins.

Burn Aloe’s healing power is not exclusive to this species and may be found in the gels of some other aloes. Also some of the Asphodelaceae family plants such as Bulbine frutescens have healing power. Use of topical Aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects but oral ingestion, may cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea which in turn can decrease the absorption of drugs.