what is aloe
aloe vera is a member of the lily family it is a succulent perennial plant that closely resembles a cactus it is a xerophyte meaning that it thrives in warm rather arid areas hence it s african originsit does not thrive in cold frosty conditionsloe vera is related to other members of the lily family such as the onion garlic and turnip families aloe vera s relationship to the lily family is evident from the tubular yellow flowers produced annually in the spring that resemble those of the easter lily