ABSTRACT
Aloes are xerophytes with structural and physiological adaptations for survival in arid regions. They are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and a number of Indian Ocean islands. They occupy many different kinds of natural habitat, from forest to exposed rock surfaces, but they are absent from the moist lowland forests of mainland Africa. People use aloes in many ways, mostly at a non-commercial local level. As a result of over-exploitation and habitat destruction many species are endangered and in need of conservation. Aloes are protected by CITES.
