Asphodelaceae FAMILY

Aloe nyeriensis

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

The sap of Aloe species contains anthraquinones. These compounds have several beneficial medicinal actions, particularly as a laxative, and many species of Aloe are thus employed in traditional medicine. Whilst safe in small doses and for short periods of time, anthraquinones do have potential problems if used in excess. These include congestion and irritation of the pelvic organs[ 299 Title Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Publication Author Website http://www.prota.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa. ]. Long term use of anthraquinone laxatives may also play a role in development of colorectal cancer as they have genotoxic potential, and tumorigenic potential[ 299 Title Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Publication Author Website http://www.prota.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa. ].

Botanical Description

Aloe nyeriensis is a succulent, evergreen shrub with erect stems that branch at or near the base; it can grow from 1 - 3 metres tall. Each stem is topped by a rosette of leaves. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeEast tropical Africa - central Kenya.

HabitatFairly open Acacia bushland, on rocky soils; sometimes forming thickets; at elevations from 1,760 - 2,100 metres[ 328 Title African Flowering Plants Database Publication Author Website http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa/recherche.php Publisher Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques. Year 0 ISBN Description Contains information on over 150,000 plant names (including synonyms) giving a description and habitat, plus a distribution map. ].