Japanese name: キダチアロエ Scientific name:Aloe arborescens
[Overview]
A succulent perennial 1–2 m tall, branching freely and forming clumps.
The leaves form a rosette and are long triangular, 45–60 cm long and 5 cm wide, with dense triangular spines along the margins.
The leaves are gray-green to green.
An erect raceme bears many cylindrical, bright red flowers about 4 cm long.
[History]
It was introduced to Japan in the early Meiji era.
[Uses]
Called "ishaira zu" (doctor not needed) and other names, it is used as a folk remedy, with the juice applied to burns and cuts.
It is also eaten raw for stomach and intestinal ailments, and is used in cosmetics and other products.
[Cultivation]
It is easy to grow in a well-drained, sunny place, and can be grown outdoors in warm regions of Japan.
Propagate by cuttings or division.
Pests and diseases include scale insects and aphids.
