The International Aloe Science Council

Presents an

Aloe Scientific
Primer
 International Aloe Science Council

Commonly Traded Aloe Species

The plant Aloe spp. has long been utilized in a variety of ways throughout history,
which has been well documented elsewhere and need not be recounted in detail
here, particularly as the purpose of this document is to discuss current and
commonly traded aloe species. Aloe, in its various species, can presently and in
the recent past be found in use as a decorative element in homes and gardens,
in the creation of pharmaceuticals, in wound care products such as burn
ointment, sunburn protectant and similar applications, in cosmetics, and as a
food, dietary supplements and other health and nutrition related items. Recently,
various species of the plant have even been used to weave into clothing and in
mattresses.

Those species of Aloe commonly used in commerce today can be divided into
three primary categories: those used primarily in the production of crude drugs,
those used primarily for decorative purposes, and those used in health,
nutritional and related products. For reference purposes, this paper will outline
the primary species and their uses, but will focus on the species most widely
used in commerce for health, nutritional, cosmetic and supplement products,
such as aloe vera.

Components of aloe vera currently used in commerce

The Aloe plant, and in particular aloe vera, has three distinct raw material
components that are processed and found in manufactured goods: leaf juice;
inner leaf juice; and aloe latex. A great deal of confusion regarding the
terminology of this botanical and its components has been identified, mostly
because of a lack of clear definitions, marketing, and other factors. Therefore,
they are defined below for clarity:

Leaf Juice: is obtained by using the entire leaf of the plant as the starting point,
whereby the entire leaf is ground or macerated, typically by machine process,
into a sort of “guacamole’ and is then further processed and filtered to remove
the insoluble components and contaminants, most often by activated charcoal or
a similar means, to produce a viscous, juice-like substance. In the case of the
vast majority of products in the nutritional, health and related products, this
filtration process includes the removal of the majority of the aloe latex
contaminants, typically down to 10ppm or less in orally-ingested finished
products and 50ppm or less in cosmetic applications.

Inner Leaf Juice: is manufactured by first stripping off the outer rind of the plant,
either by hand (often called “hand filleting”) or machine, washing off or otherwise
removing the aloe latex, and then conducting further processing (which may or
may not include filtration) of the inner leaf which is sometimes called the “gel” or
“gel fillet”. Inner leaf juice can be “pulp-free” or contain “pulp”, and manufacturers
sometimes may or may not add thickening agents, such as carrageenan or
 International Aloe Science Council

similar additives, and call finished products “aloe vera gel”. Sometimes, inner leaf
juice and leaf juice are combined in products.

Aloe Latex: is the bitter, yellow-brownish (or sometimes reddish), sap-like

material that is found in between the inner parenchymous tissue of the plant (the
inner leaf “gel-like” substance) and the rind. Aloe latex “bleeds” from the plant
when the rind is cut, and is used primarily in the manufacture of crude drugs.
Aloe latex contains anthraquinone and related constituents, known primarily for
their laxative effects. Most pharmacopeia describes aloe latex simply as “aloe” or
“aloe (juice)”. It is not difficult to understand why so much confusion can be seen,
amongst regulators in particular, due to the names used to in some of these
documents.

Species primarily used in the health, nutrition, supplement & related

industries

The two most widely cultivated Aloe species for commercial purposes in the
health, food & nutrition & related industries are aloe vera (aloe barbadensis, or
Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.) and aloe arborescens. In the United States, aloe vera is
the most widely used species, and very little aloe arborescens is used in the
manufacturing of products for any usage.

Aloe vera
Aloe vera, the common name for the species Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (or aloe
barbadensis as it’s often called), and which translates as “true aloe” in Latin, is
grown primarily in sub-tropical climates, prefers solid sun, and as a succulent
from the Lily family (Liliaceae), can withstand being watered infrequently. Like
nearly all aloe plants, they are not capable of withstanding frost and related
temperatures. This species tends to be larger with shorter stems, and can be
identified further by its thick, fleshy, leaves shaped somewhat like tentacles,
being heavy or more thick at the base and tapering to a point, and its bright
green color. Younger plants tend to have off-white “spots” on them, and only the
larger plants tend to produce yellow flowers. Aloe vera will grow, slowly, with the
leaves forming a circular pattern of usually the same height (rosette), in a
clumping fashion.

Aloe vera is the primary species used in the majority of products manufactured
and sold today in much of the world, particularly in the U.S., and can be readily
found in cosmetics, foods, dietary supplements and other products.

As mentioned prior, there is often confusion regarding synonyms, particularly of

aloe vera, for which the correct taxonomic nomenclature is Aloe vera (L). Burm. f.
It’s no wonder, in part due to the large number of aloe species, currently over 360
(see table 1), that this might be the case irrespective of the array of terms used in
marketing, pharmacopeia’s and research publications. For example, “Curaçao
Aloe” is often mistakenly understood as a synonym for aloe vera juice, which
 International Aloe Science Council

actually refers only to the aloe latex component of the plant (Ref: USP 32
monograph: Aloe).

Aloe arborescens
Aloe arborescens, a member of the asphodelacea family, is likely the most widely
cultivated aloe species in the world, being used in health & related products as
well as for decorative purposes, though not often seen in the majority of the
former categories outside of Japan. Arborescens is the Latin word for “tree-like”
or “tree-forming”, and refers more to the plants stem-forming habit than to its
direct likeness to a tree. In cultivation, the plant thrives in full sun and well-
drained, compost-rich soil, and can tolerate moderate frost (but is sensitive to
severe frost). A fast-growing plant, it tolerates drought and neglect once
established.

The plants natural habitat tends to be rocky ledges or cliffs, and is likely why its
common name is Krantz aloe (krantz in old dutch means “rocky ledge”). This
species can be found primarily in the eastern area of Africa, and has the third
widest distribution of any aloe species, being found from the Cape Peninsula on
the East coast to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi in the North.

It grows green-grey leaves, typically arranged in aesthetically pleasing rosettes,

with off-white, relatively inhospitable looking, though harmless, teeth along the
leaf margins. The plant flowers in the winter months, putting off colorful flower
spikes typically in a dark orange-to-red hue and sometimes even yellow. The
plant typically grows into a multi-pronged shrub approximately 2-3 meters in
height.

The species formerly known as aloe mutabilis (sn: aloe mutabilis Pillans) is now
regarded as a synonym of aloe arborescens, though this species is not typically
utilized for any purpose other than decorative. Aloe arborescens var. natalensis
is another variation of the species used mainly in Japan as a traditional treatment
for conditions such as athlete’s foot, burns, bites, and so on.

Species primarily used in the creation of crude drugs

Aloe ferox
Aloe ferox, also from the Liliaceae family, is a Palm-like succulent with a single 6-
10 ft (1.8-3.1 m) upright, un-branched, woody stem crowned with a dense rosette
of 50-60 3ft (0.9 m) long thick and fleshy leaves. Old leaves typically adorn the
stem, covering it with a dense brown skirt or petticoat.

“Ferox” in Latin means “fierce” or “war-like”, and the plants name is likely
attributed to its many sharp reddish-brown spines on the margins of the leaves,
as well as the smaller spines on their top and bottom surfaces. Leaves are dull
green, usually with a reddish tinge. This species flowers from May to August (and
into September in colder parts of the country) in its natural habitat of the Cape
 International Aloe Science Council

Region of South Africa, with red and orange hues typically, and occasionally in
yellow or even white, with stalks standing 2-4 ft (0.6 -1.2 m). Common names
include cape aloe, bitter aloe, and tap aloe.

This species thrives in well-drained, infertile soil and should not be fertilized more
than 1x per year. Best growth is achieved in full sun with moderate water during
the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between liberal waterings. Less
water should be used during the plants dormant period. Aloe ferox is relatively
tolerant of drought and is typically more frost-hardy than other species.

Aloe ferox is one of the primary sources of the purgative “bitter aloes”, a strong
laxative found in the yellow-brown sap, or aloe latex, and has been harvested as
a renewable resource in South Africa for over two hundred years. The latex from
the plant is typically collected, dried and processed for medicinal purposes,
including manufacturing into crude drugs. It is listed on Appendix II of the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), so that any
international trade of wild harvested plants should be carefully monitored to
ensure it is compatible with the species survival.

A. candelabrum, a form of aloe ferox, has an elegant shape with the leaf tips
curving slightly downwards. The spines along the leaf edge also tend to be
reddish in color, and may be present on the upper and lower leaf surfaces, with
younger plants tending to be very spiny. The flowers are carried in a large
candelabra-like flower-head, typically with five to eight branches, each carrying a
spike-like head of many flowers. Colors vary from yellow-orange to bright red.

Aloe Africana, another species, is often hybridized with aloe ferox and is another
source of cape aloe. Though primarily used for its latex, there are some
companies who use this species of aloe (as well as others) for other products.
However, these are limited in scope.

Aloe spicata
Aloe spicata, like Aloe arborescens, is also a member of the asphodelacea
family. Typically growing to about three (3) feet in height overall, it is a single,
short stemmed plant with a rosette solid green leaves with reddish margins that
grown in a horizontal fashion, and are typically around 2 feet (60cm) in overall
length. Growth season is in the summer, and it flowers, somewhat unusually for
aloe species, in the winter months with yellow blossoms. The species natural
habitat is South Africa (Mozambique; Zimbabwe), where it grows mostly in full
sun on steep rock slopes and cliffs.
The common name of the species is Bullocks Bottle Brush Aloe. Synonyms
include aloe sessiflora and aloe tauri.
 International Aloe Science Council

Species primarily cultivated for decorative purposes

Aloe brevifolia
Aloe descoingsii
Aloe marlothii
Aloe perryi
Aloe saponaria (Ait.) Haw (African or Soap aloe)
Aloe variegata (tiger aloe)

Table of known Aloe species (Appendix I)

There are reportedly over 400 known species of Aloe, and an unverified list of is
presented for informational purposes in Appendix I. As new species of Aloe are
discovered and examined, this may lead to other advances in science, biology
and related areas.

Growing aloe vera for a profit

Cultivation of aloe vera

Aloe species can be grown in a variety of different locales, from indoor pots to
desert land and rocky ledges or fields. For the purposes of this paper, the scope
of this section will focus on commercial cultivation of the plant and in particular
the species most widely used in commercial products in the U.S. and abroad in
health, nutrition and related products, aloe vera.

Acreage & general cultivation considerations

In the US, the suggested row spacing is a standard, forty-two (42) inch wide
row. Growers plant the aloe pups (the larger the better) at ~60 cm spacing.
One could use checkered double-plant rows in each bed. One acre may have
5,000-6,000 plants, which is equivalent to about 12,000-15,000 plants per
hectare. If the entire field is planted in a 60 cm x 60 cm spacing many more may
be planted. Consideration for the ease of frequent hoeing to remove weeds and
hand harvesting should be made as well as the need to have some space for
trucks to access the fields to carry the harvested leaves out. Do not make the
mistake of planting these large plants too densely.

Pesticide use is discouraged. The use of pesticides, herbicides and germicides

will prevent the fields from attaining organic certification thru the United States
Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP), among
others. A USDA NOP fact sheet is available in Appendix II for more information
on attaining certification through the NOP. In Europe, different regulations exist
regarding organic certification. More information on the legislation can be found
at the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/organic/eu-
policy/legislation_en

Animals such as goats and other, similar grazing animals have commonly been
used for weed control as well as to provide fertilizer for the soil. Aloe vera’s thick
 International Aloe Science Council

rind prevents many insects from attacking the plant and spoiling or destroying the
inner gel. Irrigation also helps to maintain a natural predator resistance.

Climate
Aloe vera tends to grow most heartily in areas with higher heat and less rainfall,
with sub-tropical climates being ideal. Like nearly all species of Aloe, it is not frost
hardy, and a frost will typically kill the plant or crop.

Soil & fertilization

Aloe vera grows most readily in fast-draining soil that is less dense and more
sand-like. Since aloe is a 6- to 8-year crop, building up organic matters in the soil
as much as possible before planting is recommended. Apply about 50 kg of
nitrogen per hectare four times a year (after each quarterly harvest). If the
availability of fertilizer is a problem, then try to apply chemical fertilizer at least
twice a year and use abundant manure, if available. There is no need to apply
any fertilizer during the first 4 months immediately following planting. Weeding
and related activities should be performed at regularly scheduled intervals.

Propagation
Unlike some other species of Aloe, aloe vera does not produce seeds, and the
most common method of propagation is by planting offshoots, or pups, from a
“mother” plant. Though true that aloe vera can often be grown from cuttings, for
the purposes of commercial cultivation, it is considered much too slow of a
process.

Aloe vera pups are typically hardy and can be pulled or carefully cut away from
the parent plant, roots included, and re-planted – but as stated in a prior section,
the larger the pup the better. Although aloe pups can withstand 5° C for some
time, there is no need to store them at low temperatures before planting.

In the past, aloe vera pups were planted on top of the rows. However, with
machine cultivation, and even hand hoeing, the furrows get narrower and
narrower as time passes. This causes severe root exposure, restricts root
growth and often damages the root system enough to make plants unhealthy and
wobbly. It is recommended to aloe growers to plant pups in prepared flat land or
in the furrow. By doing such, more extensive root systems can be maintained,
resulting in better plant growth and much higher yields.

Aloe vera pups can be planted anytime of the year, but it is recommended to
avoid the cold months or weeks. Immediately after planting, the plants may turn
brown and leaves flat, but this is not unexpected. With some irrigation, they
should start turning green in 2-3 months when the roots have started to grow into
the surrounding soil. Pups should be removed from mother plants at least twice a
year to maintain larger mother plants for maximizing leaf size.
 International Aloe Science Council

Species ID
Due to the wide variety of species and their practical purposes and uses, it is
important to ensure the identity of plants prior to cultivation. This is obviously of
greater importance to non-established or newer farms. Hybridizing is also an
issue and should be a consideration if planting multiple species in relative
locales. Retained samples should be kept and provided, if needed, in order to
provide evidence of species identification.

Reputable providers of pups should be asked for, and able to provide,

Certificates of Analysis (C of A’s) along with other similar documentation to
potential farmers. Other methods of identification including organoleptic, HPLC,
and other analytical methods should be considered and records maintained when
provided.

Harvesting & yields

Cuttings from a single plant can typically be made between 3-5 times per year.
Cuttings are typically made from plants of only the outermost 3-4 leaves by
pulling the leaf away from the plant stalk and cutting at the white base – any
exposure of the inner leaf material should be avoided, as any opening within or at
the base of the leaf will immediately cause oxidation to begin. Aloe vera is
qualified thru its freshness, and oxidation is a part of the degradation process.

After the first 1.5 years, you can expect to harvest 10-12 kg of leaves per plant
per year. It’s suggested 22-24 leaves could be harvested per plant annually. If no
fertilizer is applied, the lower, older leaves will have premature desiccation and
leaves must be harvested every two months, with leaves likely being small and
brownish.

Processing after harvest

Once the leaves are collected from the fields, they are gathered for transport to a
processing facility. If the leaves must remain outside before processing, they
should be stored in a cool, dry place away from the sun. In order to maximize
aloe vera freshness and polysaccharide content, leaves must be processed
within 24 hours.

Entire Leaf vs. Inner-Leaf processing

Once the leaves arrive at the processing area they are washed and prepared for
further processing. For inner-leaf material, after washing of the leaves the aloe is
filleted, meaning the outer rind is stripped off either by hand using a knife or by
machine, and any remaining aloe latex is then rinsed away. Processing for retail
purposes usually takes place thereafter.
 International Aloe Science Council

Aloe vera as a market commodity

General info on the aloe vera market

IASC staff regularly receives queries on the aloe vera market, including general
questions such as information on the overall size of the market to the more
specific queries on growing the crop, harvesting, processing and then how to go
about selling it. Though the IASC as a trade organization, comprised of
manufacturers and other companies in the industry, and represents the Aloe
industry at-large in the capacity of science, representation, education and other
areas, the organization is not a broker for raw materials/suppliers and does not
actively maintain data on the market price, nor is it mandated to directly assist in
the sale of products or raw materials. In fact, it would be something of a conflict
of interest to do so.

However, the organization does see the opportunity to provide basic information
on these topics in order to assist individuals and companies, potentially or
currently active in the trade, in understanding the aloe vera market and to provide
educational information that may be deemed useful to growers or those
interested in considering becoming so. The following sections will discuss issues
related to the sale of aloe vera raw materials, but should not be considered all-
inclusive or complete, and should not be viewed as the only information available
on the topic.

General pricing info

Like soybeans, corn or other similar agricultural products, aloe vera is considered
by the industry to be a commodity, though it is not traded in any futures or related
market. As such, the price as a raw ingredient is constantly in flux, dependent on
a variety of factors that affect the overall market. These factors include items one
would expect for many agricultural commodities, such as supply, demand, and
quality. But it also includes such considerations as climate (for example:
frosts/freezes), which can contribute to the overall supply and potentially
demand.

Freezing or frosts is a phenomenon that has historically happened once every

twenty years or so to the aloe vera industry, the last occurrence having been
about six years ago. The freeze, though short lived, decimated many aloe vera
crops, particularly in Mexico and Central America. The result was a shortage in
the global market. Fortunately, Aloe vera cultivation is not confined to one area of
the globe. However, due to the shortage in Mexico, raw leaves were placed at a
premium during that time.

Also, similarly to many other agricultural commodities, aloe vera is sold by the
ton. As a general range, the market price has typically been (for 2008-2009)
anywhere from $6-$16 per ton. However, this information is provided only for
reference to this particular timeframe, and should not be considered a permanent
 International Aloe Science Council

price structure, particularly based on prior comments made regarding those

factors that affect pricing.

Typical methods of selling aloe vera crop

The purchase or sale of commercially grown aloe vera is affected by weather
conditions, farmer/buyer relationship, transportation, and the quantity and quality
of aloe vera being purchased.

Traditionally, aloe vera is grown on family-owned farms and is not traded via the
futures market. When looking to sell aloe vera, many farmers seek out
manufacturers who purchase the ingredient in bulk or manufacturers will seek out
farmers who commercially grow aloe vera in needed amounts. How does one
find aloe manufacturers and/or aloe growers? Typical methods include trade
shows, the internet, and word of mouth. The IASC maintains a list of its members
their website (www.iasc.org/Members.html) and offers a good starting resource.

Once the relationship is established several types of deals can be put in place to
ensure a healthy business relationship. Some arrangements include advanced
sale/pre-sale prior to planting, contracts, and sales after planting or prior to
harvest.

Aloe vera samples and Certificates of Analysis (C of A’s)

When relationships are being established buyers may request samples of leaves,
but will very seldom get a Certificate of Analysis (C of A) with specifications,
though buyers should be able to determine the species via any necessary
government inspection paperwork. Aloe vera is a hands-on product and should
be seen in its natural state to determine its value in the market. When not
possible, leaves are shipped, typically overnight, to potential buyers. However it
is common for prospective buyers to go to the fields to inspect crops.

Advanced sale/pre-sale prior to cultivation

This type of relationship normally involves investments in the fields which yield
aloe vera crops, or may involve a manufacturer or supplier requesting a farmer
plant their fields with aloe vera crop. The investment can vary depending on the
farmer/buyer relationship. Some typical business models under this arrangement
include purchasing the aloe vera pups for harvesting, investing in workers for
harvesting or investing in equipment/supplies needed for a healthy crop.
Investments such as this ensure first rights to the new crops.

Contracts
Contracts vary with each farmer/buyer relationship. Standardized contracts
ensuring first right to harvest can be a precarious situation due to weather
conditions and other varying factors, and it is not uncommon for contracts to
become null and void if the yield is shorted due to such unforeseen forces.
Contracts are made between farmers and buyers with the underlying knowledge
 International Aloe Science Council

that weather does play a part in productivity and yield. Legal advice is
recommended when engaging in any contractual arrangement.

Sale after harvest

This is one of the more common ways of doing business when one is new to the
industry and requires establishing a relationship with many prospective
buyers/knowing a farmer prior to harvesting, if the objective is to move the
material relatively quickly. Growers/processors are recommended to create
business connections during the growth period in order to maximize returns on
harvests.

“One-off” sales vs. sustainable harvesting

When demand is high in the aloe vera retail market it is not uncommon for a
manufacturer to seek out new relationships to meet the high demand. These
relationships may be a one-time purchase which suits both farmer and
manufacturer. These so called “one-off” sales can be quite lucrative for the
farmer for a short period of time, though not necessarily sustainable.

Solid business relationships are needed to maintain a healthy, year-round,

sustainable harvest. Such relationships help the farmer maintain quality soil,
steady labor, and financial stability. In return the manufacturer is ensured quality
crops. Sustainable harvesting is ultimately the reason behind developing the
buyer/grower relationship. Financial stability on both ends ensures established
harvests and renewed planting.
 International Aloe Science Council
Appendix I – Aloe Species

Aloe aageodonta Aloe boiteani Aloe classenii Aloe dorothea

Aloe abyssicola Aloe boscawenii Aloe claviflora Aloe duckeri
Aloe abyssinica Aloe bowiea Aloe commixta Aloe dumetorum
Aloe aculeata Aloe boylei Aloe compacta Aloe dyeri
Aloe acutissima Aloe brachystachys Aloe compressa Aloe ecklonis
Aloe compressa var.
Aloe adigratana Aloe branddraaiensis rugosquamosa Aloe elata
Aloe affinis Aloe brandhamii Aloe comptonii Aloe elegans
Aloe africana Aloe breviscapa Aloe confusa Aloe elgonica
Aloe ahmarensis Aloe broomii Aloe congdonii Aloe ellenbeckii
Aloe albida Aloe brunneostriata Aloe congolensis Aloe eminens
Aloe albiflora Aloe buchananii Aloe conifera Aloe enotata
Aloe albovestita Aloe buchlohii Aloe constricta Aloe eremophila
Aloe alfredii Aloe buettneri Aloe cooperi Aloe erensii
Aloe alooides Aloe buhrii Aloe corallina Aloe ericetorum
Aloe ambigens Aloe bukobana Aloe crassipes Aloe erinacea
Aloe amicorum Aloe bulbicaulis Aloe cremersii Aloe eru
Aloe ammophila Aloe bulbilifera Aloe cremnophila Aloe erythrophylla
Aloe amudatensis Aloe bullockii Aloe cryptoflora Aloe esculenta
Aloe andongensis Aloe burgersfortensis Aloe cryptopoda Aloe excelsa
Aloe andringritrensis Aloe bussei Aloe dabenorisana Aloe falcata
Aloe chabaudii var.
Aloe angiensis mlanjeana Aloe davyana Aloe ferox
Aloe angolensis Aloe calcairophila Aloe dawei Aloe fibrosa
Aloe ankoberensis Aloe calidophila Aloe debrana Aloe fievetii
Aloe antandroi Aloe cameronii Aloe decaryi Aloe fleurentinorum
Aloe archeri Aloe camperi Aloe decorsei Aloe flexilifolia
Aloe arenicola Aloe canarina Aloe decurva Aloe forbesii
Aloe argenticauda Aloe candelabrum Aloe decurvidens Aloe fosteri
Aloe asperifolia Aloe cannellii Aloe defalcata Aloe fouriei
Aloe audhalica Aloe capitata Aloe delphinensis Aloe fragilis
Aloe capitata var
Aloe ausana capitata Aloe deltoideodonta Aloe framesii
Aloe capitata var
Aloe babatiensis cipolinicola Aloe descoingsii Aloe francombei
Aloe capitata var
Aloe bainesii gniessicola Aloe deserti Aloe fulleri
Aloe capitata var
Aloe bakeri quartziticola Aloe dewetii Aloe gariepensis
Aloe ballii Aloe caricina Aloe dewinteri Aloe gerstneri
Aloe barbadensis Aloe castellorum Aloe dhalensis Aloe gigas
Aloe barbertoniae Aloe catengiana Aloe dhufarensis Aloe gilbertii
Aloe bargalensis Aloe chabaudii Aloe dichotoma Aloe gillilandii
Aloe bella Aloe cheranganiensis Aloe dinteri Aloe glabrescens
Aloe bellatula Aloe chlorantha Aloe dispar Aloe globuligemma
Aloe betsileensis Aloe chortolirioides Aloe divaricata Aloe gloveri
Aloe bicomitum Aloe christianii Aloe doei Aloe gossweileri
Aloe boehmii Aloe chrysostachys Aloe dolomitica Aloe gradicaulis
Aloe boiteaui Aloe citrina Aloe dominella Aloe graciflora
 International Aloe Science Council
Appendix I – Aloe Species

Aloe gracilis Aloe karasbergensis Aloe marlothii Aloe nyeriensis

Aloe graminifolia Aloe keayi Aloe marsabitensis Aloe obscura
Aloe grandidentata Aloe kedongensis Aloe massawana Aloe officinalis
Aloe grata Aloe keithii Aloe mawii Aloe ortholopha
Aloe greatheadii Aloe ketabrowniorum Aloe mayottensis Aloe otallensis
Aloe greatheadii
davyana Aloe kilifiensis Aloe medishiana Aloe pachygaster
Aloe greenii Aloe kirkii Aloe megalacantha Aloe palmiformis
Aloe greenwayi Aloe kniphofioides Aloe melanacantha Aloe parellifolia
Aloe grisea Aloe komaggasensis Aloe menachensis Aloe parvibracteata
Aloe guerrai Aloe komatiensis Aloe mendesii Aloe parvidens
Aloe guillaumetii Aloe krapohliana Aloe menyhartii Aloe parviflora
Aloe humilis Aloe krausii Aloe meruana Aloe parvula
Aloe haemanthifolia Aloe kulalensis Aloe metallica Aloe patersonii
Aloe hardyi Aloe laeta Aloe meyeri Aloe pearsonii
Aloe harlana Aloe labworana Aloe microcantha Aloe peckii
Aloe lateritia
Aloe harmsii graminicola Aloe microdonta Aloe peglerae
Aloe haworthioides Aloe lastii Aloe microstigma Aloe pendens
Aloe haworthioides
albiflora Aloe lareritia Aloe millotii Aloe penduliflora
Aloe hazeliana Aloe latifolia Aloe milne-redheadii Aloe percrassa
Aloe helenae Aloe lavranosii Aloe minima Aloe perfoliata
Aloe heliderana Aloe leachii Aloe modesta Aloe perrieri
Aloe hemmingii Aloe leandrii Aloe moledarana Aloe petricola
Aloe hendrickxii Aloe leedalii Aloe monotropa Aloe petrophila
Aloe hereroensis Aloe lensayuensis Aloe monteiroi Aloe peyrierasii
Aloe hildebrandtii Aloe lepida Aloe monticola Aloe pirottae
Aloe hlangapies Aloe leptophylla Aloe morijensis Aloe plowesii
Aloe howmanii Aloe leptosyphon Aloe morogoroensis Aloe pluridens
Aloe humbertii Aloe lettyae Aloe mubendiensis Aloe pole-evansii
Aloe humilis (L.)Mill. Aloe leucantha Aloe mudenensis Aloe polyphylla
Aloe ibitiensis Aloe linearifolia Aloe multicolor Aloe powysiorum
Aloe imalotensis Aloe lineata Aloe munchii Aloe pretoriensis
Aloe immaculata Aloe littoralis Aloe murina Aloe princeae
Aloe inamara Aloe longibracteata Aloe musapana Aloe x principis
Aloe inconspicua Aloe luapulana Aloe mutabilis Aloe prinslooi
Aloe inermis Aloe lutescens Aloe mutans Aloe procera
Aloe integra Aloe macleayi Aloe myriacantha Aloe pruinosa
Aloe intermedia Aloe macloughinii Aloe mzinbana Aloe pubescens
Aloe inyangensis Aloe macrantha Aloe namibensis Aloe purpurascens
Aloe isaloensis Aloe macrocarpa Aloe ngongensis Aloe pustuligemma
Aloe itremensis Aloe macroclada Aloe niebuhriana Aloe rabaiensis
Aloe jacksonii Aloe macrosiphon Aloe nobilis Aloe rauhii
Aloe jucunda Aloe maculata Aloe nubigena Aloe reitzii
Aloe juvenna Aloe madecassa Aloe nuttii Aloe retrospiciens
 International Aloe Science Council
Appendix I – Aloe Species

Aloe reynoldsii Aloe spicata Aloe veseyi

Aloe rhodesiana Aloe splendens Aloe viguieri
Aloe richardiae Aloe squarrosa Aloe viridiflora
Aloe richtersveldensis Aloe steudneri Aloe vituensis
Aloe rigens Aloe striatula Aloe vogtsii
Aloe rivae Aloe stuhlmannii Aloe volkensii
Aloe rivieri Aloe suarezensis Aloe vossii
Aloe rubriflora Aloe subacutissima Aloe vryheidensis
Aloe rubroviolacea Aloe succotrina Aloe vulgaris
Aloe rugosifolia Aloe suffulta Aloe whitcombei
Aloe runcinata Aloe suprafoliata Aloe wickensii
Aloe rupestris Aloe suzannae Aloe wildii
Aloe rupicola Aloe swynnertonii Aloe wilsonii
Aloe ruspoliana Aloe tenuior Aloe wollastonii
Aloe sabaea Aloe thompsoniae Aloe woolliana
Aloe salm-dyckiana Aloe thorncroftii Aloe wrefordii
Aloe saponaria Aloe thraskii Aloe yavellana
Aloe saundersdiae Aloe tidmarshii Aloe yemenica
Aloe scabrifolia Aloe tomentosa Aloe zanzibarica
Aloe schelpei Aloe tororoana
Aloe schliebenii Aloe torrei
Aloe schoellerii Aloe trachyticola
Aloe schomeri Aloe transvaalensis
Aloe schweinfurthii Aloe trigonantha
Aloe scobinifolia Aloe trothae
Aloe scorpioides Aloe tugenensis
Aloe secundiflora Aloe turkanensis
Aloe sereti Aloe tweediae
Aloe serriyensis Aloe ukambensis
Aloe sessilifora Aloe umbellata
Aloe sessiliflora
vryheidensis Aloe umfuloziensis
Aloe sheilae Aloe vacillans
Aloe silicola Aloe vallaris
Aloe simii Aloe vanbalenii
Aloe sinana Aloe vandermerwei
Aloe sinkatana Aloe vaombe
Aloe sladeniana Aloe vaotsanda
Aloe somaliensis Aloe venenosa
Aloe somaliensis
marmorata Aloe venusta
Aloe somliensis
somaliensis Aloe vera
Aloe sophie Aloe verdoorniae
Aloe
soutpansbergensis Aloe verecunda
Aloe speciosa Aloe versicolor
 United States Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Marketing Service

National Organic Program

Certification

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredits How do farmers and handlers become certified?
State, private, and foreign organizations or persons to
become "certifying agents." Certifying agents certify An applicant must submit specific information to an
that organic production and handling practices meet accredited certifying agent.
the national standards.
Information must include:
Who needs to be certified?
● The type of operation to be certified;
Operations or portions of operations that produce or ● A history of substances applied to land for the
handle agricultural products that are intended to previous 3 years;
be sold, labeled, or represented as "100 percent ● The organic products being grown, raised, or
organic," "organic," or "made with organic ingredients" processed;
or food group(s). ● The organic system plan (OSP) – a plan
describing practices and substances used
Who does NOT need to be certified? in production. The OSP also must describe
monitoring practices to be performed to
Producers and handling (processing) operations that verify that the plan is effectively implemented,
sell less than $5,000 a year in organic agricultural a record-keeping system, and practices
products. Although exempt from certification, these to prevent commingling of organic and
producers and handlers must abide by the national nonorganic products and to prevent contact
standards for organic products and may label their of products with prohibited substances.
products as organic.
Applicants for certification must keep accurate
Handlers, including final retailers, that: post-certification records for 5 years concerning the
production, harvesting, and handling of agricultural
● Do not process or repackage products; products that are to be sold as organic.
● Only handle products with less than 70 percent
organic ingredients; These records must document that the operation is in
● Process or prepare, on the premises of the compliance with the regulations and verify
establishment, raw and ready-to-eat food the information provided to the certifying agent.
labeled organic; Access to these records must be provided to
● Choose to use the word organic only on the authorized representatives of USDA, including the
information panel; and certifying agent.
● Handle products that are packaged or
otherwise enclosed in a container prior to
being received by the operation and remain
in the same package.
 Certification

Inspection and certification process Compliance review and enforcement measures

Certifying agents review applications for certification The regulations permit USDA or the certifying agent
eligibility. A qualified inspector conducts an on-site to conduct unannounced inspections at any time to
inspection of the applicant's operation. Inspections adequately enforce the regulations. Certifying agents
are scheduled when the inspector can observe and USDA may also conduct pre- or postharvest
the practices used to produce or handle organic testing if there is reason to believe that an agricultural
products and talk to someone knowledgeable about input or product has come into contact with a
the operation. prohibited substance or been produced using an
excluded method.
The certifying agent reviews the information submitted
by the applicant and the inspector's report. If
this information demonstrates that the applicant
is complying with the relevant standards and October 2002
requirements, the certifying agent grants certification Updated April 2008
and issues a certificate. Certification remains in effect
until terminated, either voluntarily or through the
enforcement process.

Annual inspections are conducted of each certified

operation, and updates of information are provided
annually to the certifying agent in advance of
conducting these inspections. Certifying agents must
be notified by a producer or handler immediately of
any changes affecting an operation's compliance
with the regulations, such as application of a
prohibited pesticide to a field.

National Organic Program

www.ams.usda.gov/nop
202-720-3252
 International Aloe Science Council
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Johannesburg.
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