African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12508

Full Length Research Paper

Anatomical features of the medicinal importance of Aloe excelsa (Berger)

R. M. Coopoosamy* and K. K. Naidoo
Department of Nature Conservation, Mangosuthu University of Technology, P. O. Box 12363, Jacobs, 4026, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 30 May 2011
  •  Published: 27 July 2011

Abstract

Aloe excelsa exhibits characteristics similar to those found in other Aloe species within the genus Aloe. The general characteristics of the genus Aloe are typical of monocotyledonous plants and the analysis is based on morphological characteristics which include leaf and floral arrangements. These include the rosette arrangement of the leaves, the compact raceme inflorescence stalk and the predominant color of the flowers as well as the thickened cuticle which has enhanced the capability of the genus to withstand harsh conditions. Apart from taxonomic indicators observed, morphological and anatomical indicators are also of paramount importance. This paper attempted to contribute to these characteristics.

 

Keywords: Aloe excelsa, anatomy, light microscopy, SEM.