Aloe vera is not the only medicinal aloe, but not all aloes have medicinal properties. In fact, some are poisonous. Duke Benadom of the Los Angeles Cactus & Succulent Society and author of Superb Succulents researched and compiled this list of medicinal aloes (in blue) and poisonous aloes (in red) ~
List reproduced with permission. Source: Succulent author and expert Duke Benadom of the LAC&SS.
Benadom notes, “It’s important for the general public to be aware of the fact that aloes are not all the same. I constantly hear people speak of the genus Aloe as Aloe vera, and after questioning, find they were unaware of more different kinds. The replies are usually along the lines of, ‘Aren’t they all the same?'”
Note, too, that Aloe arborescens—a popular landscape succulent—offers benefits similar to less common Aloe vera.
See my video: How to Harvest Aloe Gel and Why You Should Grow Aloe Vera (from my presentation at Roger’s Gardens nursery).
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