Aloe flexilifolia explained

Aloe flexilifolia is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae. It is native to the Usambara Mountains, in north-east Tanzania.

Description

Aloe flexilifolia is a perennial and a shrub. It has stems that are either sturdy and up to 1m (03feet) in length, or are flimsy and up to 2m (07feet) in length. These stems split off from the base, and have lanceolate leaves clumped at the top of the step. The leaves are 50cmby7cmcm (20inchesby03inchescm). There are teeth 1mm2mm long that are 1cmto2cmcm (00inchesto01inchescm) apart. The flowers are trimerous and have pedicels 12mm18mm in length. The flowers themselves are bright or brownish red, sometimes yellow, with a tubular shape. They are up to 3.5cm (01.4inches) in length and about 8mm in diameter.[1]

Use

The sap from the crushed roots and leaves of A. flexilifolia is used by the Shambaa people to help reduce inflammation in the testicles and scrotum.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Schmelzer. Gaby H.. Schmelzer. Gabriella Harriet. Gurib-Fakim. Ameenah. Medicinal Plants. 2008. PROTA. 978-90-5782-204-9. 71.