Aloe vera, commonly called medicinal aloe, is a stoloniferous, stemless, tropical perennial that grows upright with stiff rosettes of succulent leaves. The common name is about the folk medicine history of this plant. Lance-shaped green leaves (to 18” long" are spotted white and armed with whitish marginal teeth. Leaves mature to gray-green. Plants may grow to as much as 3’ tall.' 

Flowering occurs only on mature plants, typically in summer. Flowering will only happen on container plants grown in optimum conditions (e.g., sunny windows or outdoor locations). Orange flowers in racemes bloom atop erect stalks rising to as much as 3’ tall.' 

Medicinal aloe is noted for the healing and cosmetic properties attributed to its sap. The sap is added to many commercial cosmetics, particularly lotions and creams. Sap is noted for its ability to moisten dry skin. Sap from a broken leaf may be applied directly to burns on the skin for relief. Sap should not be eaten, but it has been used to treat peptic ulcers. Medicinal aloe is also commonly called burn plant or burn aloe. Synonymous with and formerly known as Aloe barbadensis.