Hi all...have been reading about Aloe vera and have found that there are almost 400 different types,,,,Also have read that their are only 4 types that are good for humans and animals to take or consume....I am interested in growing thes 4 types....does anyone know what these types are called thanks
Medicinal Aloe species that I am aware of: Aloe macrosiphon, Aloe ruspoliana, Aloe ukambensis, Aloe vera, and Aloe arborescens. There are probably more than 4. ; )
There are now over 500 named species of Aloe and thousands of garden hybrids. There are more than four species that are used for medicinal purposes. Also include Aloe succotrina, A. perryi and others. The proliferous spotted leafed, orange flowerd plant commonly mistaken for Aloe vera is actually an old garden hybrid.
I prefer A. arborescens for its medicinal activity; while I grow A. vera, A. succotrina, and others, it seems to be the strongest. Certainly it's one of the strongest-tasting. Plus the frequent red flowers attract hummingbirds to my garden.
Aloe Barbadensis is the aloe commonly used for it's antiseptic properties. Not good to be ingested though.