From Mexico to Australia and every longitude in between, Aloe vera has spread like wildfire by hitching rides with humanity.
Hailing from the Hajar mountains on the Arabian Peninsula, the plant found its way into ancient Mesopotamia—where it was first recorded—and Egypt early on. Traders later brought it to Europe and China, where the plant flourished as a wild plant and a crop, and to the Americas during colonisation.
It loves arid and rocky environments and has thick, squishy leaves to retain water when it rains. Inside those leaves, it keeps its prized possession much appreciated by humans. From Cleopatra to many skincare brands today, humans are obsessed with the gel found inside.
Aloe gel can be your go-to for all kinds of situations, like sunburns, moisturising, or craving one of those bright-green, gooey Aloe drinks. The gel contains a substance called “acemannan,” a complex carbohydrate that helps support your immune system. This, in turn, helps your body fight off inflammations and repair tissue.
When it blooms, Aloe vera launches bright, stick-like appendages that carry its flowers. These aren’t “death blooms” like in Agave plants, where a plant blooms exuberantly once before it dies. As houseplants, Aloe vera can get up to 12 years old.