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I remember my grandmother always keeping an aloe vera plant in her kitchen. She would often grab a leaf and carefully cut off the edges to apply the clear, gooey gel to any skin irritation I had. I always wondered why she never planted it outside with the other cacti and succulents. It wasn’t until I decided to buy my own aloe vera plant that I discovered it’s not a cactus at all.

Is The Aloe Vera Plant In The Cactus Family

A Succulent, but Not a Cactus

Aloe vera is a succulent, which means it stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves. This adaptation helps it survive in hot, dry climates. Cacti are also succulents, but they belong to a different plant family and have a few key differences that set them apart from aloe vera.

Stems

One of the most obvious differences between aloe vera and cacti is their stems. Aloe vera has a short, unbranched stem, while cacti have tall, fleshy stems that are often ribbed or segmented. The stems of cacti also contain spines, which are modified leaves that help to protect the plant from predators.

Leaves

The leaves of aloe vera are thick, fleshy, and succulent, with a smooth, slightly serrated edge. Cacti, on the other hand, have leaves that are much more variable in shape and size. Some cacti have long, spiny leaves, while others have short, rounded leaves.

Flowers

Aloe vera produces yellow flowers that grow in clusters at the end of a long stalk. Cacti also produce flowers, but they are typically larger and more showy than those of aloe vera. Cactus flowers come in various colors, including white, pink, yellow, and red.

Conclusion

So, is the aloe vera plant a cactus? The answer is no. Aloe vera is a succulent, but it belongs to a different plant family than cacti. The two plants have several key differences, including their stems, leaves, and flowers.

Are you curious about the history and uses of aloe vera? If so, continue reading the article below. You can also leave a comment if you have any questions.

Is The Aloe Vera Plant In The Cactus Family

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