MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Description of the plant

• Aloe is a coarse looking, perennial, shallow rooted plant with a short stem, 30-60 cm high.
  


• The plants have multiple tuberous roots and many supporting roots penetrating into the soil.
  


• Aloe does not have a true stem but produces bloom stalks.


• The plants generally grow slow close to the ground in a typical rosette shape.


• The fleshly leaves are densely crowded, strongly, cuticularized and have a spiny margin with thin walled tubular cells.
  


• The flowers vary from yellow to rich orange in colour and are arranged in axillary spikes.


• The ovary is superior, triocular with axile placentation. The plant does not produce many viable seeds.