Wild Aloe vera in Europe

Aloe vera is native to Eastern and Southern Africa, but has subsequently been introduced into Northern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, China, Gibraltar the Mediterranean countries and the West Indies. It is being cultivated almost all over the world and used in Pharmacology.

In the Maltese islands it grows wild only on one side of a valley at 'Ta Cenc (both c spelled as in church)' on the Island of Gozo.

Now, what is interesting about this plant is that both the Maltese name for this plant and the valley name is called Sabbara, which literaly means 'to comfort', due to the therapeutic qualities of this plant. So, this plant must have existed for a long time in this valley in order to have acquired its name. Could this plant be an ancestor of a far wider distribution of this plant from Africa or has it been introduced?

DNA tests showed that it differed from Aloe vera of Eastern Africa. Further tests were not made because the scientist who did the tests must have lost interest. After all it is quite common elsewhere. But it is still interesting and it could be quite something different.

See below for picture of plant growing wild at Wied is Sabbara (Sabbara valley)

Here is photo

Thanks Marcus.

Amante, could you explain a bit more, please? I'm curious to know what was different about the DNA since a species, if isolated for a long time, can show changes from the original. Do you know the scientist's name? It may not have been from a lack of interest, though possible, that made him stop further research. Research can be costly & unless someone or some company is willing to cover costs, he may not have been able to carry on.

I think it possible for that aloe to have been introduced, since in times past, the islands were in shipping lanes of travellers & merchants & many would stop off to restock food or drop off supplies. Still, it's interesting that aloe vera is unique to the islands. Thanks for the story!

Hi Isomorphix, It was John Lavranos (if I remember well), a great collector of succulent plants who was given the plants. He had seen them during a visit of the IOS (Int. Org. of succulent plants) meeting in Malta. I think it was in 1994 or thereabouts. I do not know what difference he found but he was in correspondence with our society and that is how I learned about the story.

I could easily supply any scientist/botanist a few pieces from plants grown in the wild since I removed one and is happily growing in a pot.

Your assumption that it may have been introduced is a valid one but why should someone plant A. vera in an isolated valley away from habitation (until very recently)?

The valley is situated near the cliffs which are hundreds of feet high, so it is not possible for a ship to have anchored near the cliffs and planted some Aloes. The nearest habitation is a five star hotel build near the cliffs a kilometre away. The plants are very difficult to see from top of the valley, unless you know where they are. It is a bit difficult to get down but not impossible.

It could have been easily planted in other places where it could have been cared for, and perhaps that's what may have happened and someone, a very long time ago planted some of them away from habitation so that they could use them when they grew scarce elsewhere. Who knows?

The plants seem to thrive in the wild and there are several small ones, although it has not been proved conclusively that they are being dispersed by seeds. But they are surly spreading by vegetative means. The smallest ones are about 8cm (3 inches).

Another thing is that place names are rarely changed in the Maltese islands so the name must have been given a very long toime ago.

I believe they have been there quite a long time because the name of that valley must have existed for ages. Another thing as that if the valley was named for this particular plant the people must have had use for the plant as well. I do not think it was named like that just by coincidence. My next trip to Gozo i plan on getting a couple of plants. Who knows maybe we have a unique species living on the island.

It is also my opinion that the plants must have been for quite a long time. Lawrence, if you go there try to find the valley first, then look for the plants on the side you reach first, not the other side towards the cliff.

The plants are very difficult to spot from above but once you get down they are easy to find.

Thanks for good infos about different type of Aloe vera and picture of normal_wild_aloe_vera.
Aloe vera is not only beautiful plant but useful for treating ailments also.Medicinal properties of Aloe vera can be seen
at most of sites.

Dear you both ,
Here on the Canary Islands , and more specialy on Tenerife I know different places in the mountains where the Aloe vera grows wild !!!
Last year , during the fires we have had on Tenerife a large plot of A. vera has burned. Now on my next visit (april/may) I will have a look at that place to controle the evolution on this site to observe if, after beeing burned, the plants have still the force to restart growing.
Will keep you informed if interested.
Do you know mister Lavranos??? I have a friend on Tenerife who is quit often traveling with him!!
Greetings,
Albert

PS. Have a look to my pict galery , I just addes a photograph of the Aloe Vera in the wild after the fire of Aug 2007

Aloe Vera is used extensively as herbal medicine in Asian and African countries. It may look ugly, but its benefits are more....

You can check this link for more information regarding its medicinal properties...

in.88db.com/bangalore/...efits.html

Dear,

Thanks for the tip , but I knowed allready this site !!!
Greetings from rainy Belgium after 2 1/2 months of sunshine on the Canary Islands

Albert

pinkie_LG wrote:

Thanks for good infos about different type of Aloe vera and picture of normal_wild_aloe_vera. Aloe vera is not only beautiful plant but useful for treating ailments also.Medicinal properties of Aloe vera can be seen at most of sites.

See below outlining the healing properties of Aloe Vera. I personally use it for my sunburns (via Aloe Vera Gel, rather than straight AV)

www.cosmeticsdesign.co...ighlighted

here an other wild one

and an, other in culture in a public garden
home-and-garden.websho...8283RxAvxL

Sorry ,
the picture with the plants in garden didn't come with the message
Greetings,
Albert