Although aloe vera plants look like cactus they are actually a member of lilly family. All aloe vera plants are a similar shape and have sword shaped spiny leaves arranged in a rosette. There are 4 species of Aloe vera plants used for medicinal purposes the most benificial is Aloe Barbadensis Miller.All aloes originated from Africa and they have been spread across the world by earlier civilizations who have known the benefits of this useful plant. Aloes only grow successfully in sunny dry arid conditions and hate frost. Howvever they can survive for several months without water.
Aloe plants have their own natural protection against rodents, birds and insects. They have a bitter sap layer beneath the rind which deters animals from eating them.
Over the centuries aloe vera has been used by many cultures from ancient Greeks and Romans to Chinese and Indian cultures. It has been used as a medicine plant for both humans and animals and also in cosmetics.
Infact aloe vera barbadensis is on the coat of arms of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
