As you probably know, cactus is from the family of succulent plants. These plants are characterized by accumulating water and nutrients in their tissues. They’re very resistant. But the difference between the aloe vera and a cactus is this.
Is aloe vera a cactus? Although Aloe vera may look very similar to the cactus family, in reality, the Aloe vera is a succulent plant but not a cactus. Here I tell you more about Aloe Vera.
I know there is much confusion around this topic; let me explain better.
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What is the difference between aloe vera and cactus?
Many people think that all succulents are cacti, but this is wrong, as all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.
Another fact that can help you with this is that Aloe Vera belongs to the Xanthorrhoeaceae family, while cacti belong to the Cactaceae family.
Although Aloe Vera is not a cactus, it’s a plant that can withstand drought times, since being a succulent,they can store water.
One fact that can help you differentiate a cactus from a succulent is that cacti have an areola, which are auxiliary, visible and protruding buds, generally of light or dark colors in which the spines appear.
Is aloe vera a succulent?
Yes, the aloes is a succulent plant, let me tell you more about it.
It’s one of the 350 classified species of aloes that exists and can reach up to 50 cm in height.
They are native to the Canary Islands, the Azores Islands, Africa and Madagascar.
Since ancient times, it has been a plant known for its multiple therapeutic capacities, from approximately 2,200 BC.
The flowers of this plant are yellow and are grouped in inflorescences up to 100cm high. They appear during the spring.
Once they are pollinated, the fruit begins to mature, which will be a 20-25 by 6-8mm capsule, inside which we will find winged seeds that will measure about one centimeter.
One of the great advantages of this plant is that it contains aloin, essential amino acids, sugars (such as uronic acid), enzymes (such as amylase and lipase, and others).
Also, vitamins, minerals, and numerous trace elements and other substances, although these can vary between species.
FAQ: Is aloe vera a cactus plant
Now you know the aloe is a succulent and not a cactus. And in case you still confused, let me just say it one more time.
All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Meaning some succulents don’t have the same characteristics as a cactus. But they’re succulents because they can store water.
Is aloe vera edible?
Both the outer part of the leaves and the gelatinous inside are edible.
But aloes have a substance called aloin or latex, which is not edible, It is characterized by its yellowish color.
Is aloe vera good for acne?
In addition to being very effective in skincare, the antibacterial properties of pure aloe vera, when used to treat acne, prevent and fights with its beneficial components:
Is aloe vera juice good for you?
Aloe vera is an almost miraculous plant that can be consumed or applied externally.
This plant not only helps you to look good but also to feel good.
Here are some of the benefits that consuming or using aloe vera can give you:
- Antioxidants
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Amino acids that exist in the plant gel
- Strengthen the immune system
Is aloe vera a desert plant?
Yes, the beautiful aloe vera can thrive in the desert and is one of the most resistant succulents out there.