Means “goddess” in ancient Sanskrit, for its reputed use as a beauty aid; some sources suggest that the name comes from Alloeh, meaning “shining bitter substance”
This aloe is a native of northeastern South Africa (Mpumalanga, formerly eastern Transvaal).
Ironically, the species alooides means "resembling an aloe." Well, duh, right? Actually
this wasn't always thought to be an aloe; it was once called Urginea alooides because
it looked like an aloe.
Identification: These aloes have a single stem up
to 6½′ (2 m) high, the upper part of which is covered with old dried leaves. Leaves are
green, tinged red during droughts. They are wide and so curved that they often curl back to
touch the stem. Leaf margins have small teeth. Up to five unbranched, narrow flower spikes occur
per plant. Each spike contains yellow flowers up to ⅜″ (1 cm).