Aloe

 b

Aloe

Aloe spp.

Origin: Africa

Quick Facts

  • ornamental flower with edible greens
  • flowers come in a variety of colors
  • grows well in hot Florida summer 
  • Swahili name is ‘mfungu’
  • another fact
  • another fact
  • another fact

HEADING about something general

A SUBHEADING about something specific

Aloe is short for aloe barbadensis. There are 450 different types of aloe plants from small to large. The plant has a hard outer shell, and a soft gel-like inside. These plants are know for its medicinal effects.

In Africa

This section should provide a brief overview of the history and significance of the plant in Africa. Be as specific as possible in describing where it originated and where it is still used used (country, region, etc.)

Describe the cultural aspect of the plant in this section. Consider presenting some of the common names in different African languages as well s the names if African dishes it is used in. 

In America

Aloe patch in Monroe County, 1916. Florida Memory

This section should provide a brief overview of the history and significance of the plant in Florida. Be as specific as possible in describing when it was brought to the US and how it is used in Florida or the United States.

Describe the cultural aspect of the plant in the US.  Is it a part of African American history? Has it been adapted by other cultures in the US? List  common names and the types of American dishes it is used in. 

Nutrition Facts

Aloe is used as food to prevent certain
medical conditions. The plant is used as an additive to prevent the growth of intestinal tumors. The plant has many nutritional benefits. It contains iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper, and many other properties.

In Your Garden

Aloe plants grow in a plethora of conditions. You can grow aloe indoors, and outdoors with exposure to sunlight. This plant grows best in dried potting mix. Aloe grows best in mild temperatures. During the summer months you should
move your plant inside by gradually introducing it to the summer sun.

References for this section can be: 

 

Recipes for Your Table

 

This section should provide a description of the plant as a culinary ingredient. This can include taste, flavor, common preparation techniques, names of several dishes, and other ingredients it is commonly associated with, etc. 

Easy Recipe Name

Aloe has many different uses. Its medicinal properties are extensive. 6000 years ago aloe was used for a laxative as well as a treatment for the skin. Aloe can be used to heal burns and cuts by applying the plant to the effected areas. Aloe is used as food to prevent certain medical conditions. The plant is used as an
additive to prevent the growth of intestinal tumors.

References & Resources

  • https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi le:Africa-outline.png
  • Melco, Mulysa. “Growing Aloe Vera Plants.” LoveToKnow, LoveToKnow Corp, garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Aloe_Ve
    ra_Plants.
  • https://garden.lovetoknow.com/image /217415~growingaloe.jpg
  • https://supplemania.net/aloe-verarecipe-for-skin/
  • https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/g19682442/aloe-plantcare/

James Segarra contributed content for this page as part of HUM2420: African Humanities at Santa Fe College. This page was edited by Dr. Sarah Cervone in the Department of Humanities and Foreign Languages at Santa Fe College. 

This page was created as part of a Florida Folk Life project in collaboration with Santa Fe College, the Matheson Historical Museum and ……

For more information visit www.thefloridafolklifeproject.org