Aloe vera is one of the most important cultivated medicinal plants and a key component of the floras of Africa, Arabia, and Madagascar. Here, for the first time since the 1960s, is a comprehensive account of all currently accepted aloe taxa in an easy-to-use and accessible format. Organized by habitat and size, entries for more than five hundred species each include descriptions, illustrations, and diagnostic features, accompanied by information on distribution, habitat, and relationship to other Aloe species. This volume is a must-have not only for succulent plant enthusiasts but for all who need a well-illustrated and comprehensive academic reference to the Aloe genus.

S. Carter is an honorary research associate at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. J. J. Lavranos is a botanical field worker with more than fifty years of experience. L. E. Newton is a botanist at Kenyatta University in Kenya. C. C. Walker is a lecturer at the Open University and the editor of Bradleya, the yearbook of the British Cactus and Succulent Society.

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Cultivation
A history of Aloe exploration and discovery
How to use this book
Key to groups, based on habit

Group A: Grass aloes
Group B: Maculate aloes
Group C: Stemless aloes (in small clumps, flower stems few-branched)
Group D: Stemless aloes (in small clumps, flower stems multi-branched)
Group E: Stemless aloes (in large clumps, flower stems few-branched)
Group F: Stemless aloes (in large clumps, flower stems multi-branched)
Group G: Pendulous or sprawling aloes
Group H: Shrubby aloes (flower stems few-branched)
Group I: Shrubby aloes (flower stems multi-branched)
Group J: Tree aloes

Glossary
References
Addenda: names and taxonomic changes published after 31 December 2008
Index