Aloe humilis - this is a very commonly available plant. It has blue green leaves with small spine-like projections on both sides of the leaf. It comes from South Africa. Individual heads are about 15 cm across and tall. It clumps easily and can form very attractive clumps. It flowers with thick spikes of orange-red in January- February. It can tolerate full sun in our conditions. It is of easy cultivation.

Aloe aristata - a very attractive stemless Aloe from South Africa. Its appearance is quite unique, with its dark green leaves marked with white spots and tubercles with soft spines on both surface of the leaf. The leaf end is marked with a distinct terminal awn. Individual heads reach a maximum of 15 cm. In habitat it is often found in groups and has spikes of reddish flowers. I have not seen it in flower in cultivation. In fact most often one finds its hybrids for sale rather than the true species. It is of easy culture.

Aloe juveana - a long stemmed Aloe from Africa. For a long time it was thought to be a garden hybrid till a few years ago when it was discovered in habitat. It has light green spotted leaves with a few teeth on the margins growing on elongated procumbent stems. It is shy to flower but its unique habit makes an attractive pot full.

Aloe rauhii -- a beautiful Aloe from Madagascar with grey green leaves marked with rows of parallel dashes. It has small teeth on the margins of the leaves. It reddens in the winters to look beautiful. Leaves spread out to form rosettes up to 20 cm. across. Small flowers are borne on thin stems and are of orange colour. It clumps easily and does not have too many cultural requirements. It does however prefer some relief from the summer sun to prevent burning. It is one of the parents of a great many very attractive small growing hybrids.

Aloe jucunda - a Madagascan miniature, with individual heads not much larger than 5-6 cm. across. It has smooth, glossy, dark green leaves marked with whitish streaks with a few teeth on the margins. These turgid leaves recurve and look very nice. It slowly clumps to fill out small pans to form very attractive small domes. To reach this state, however it requires patience and a careful hand with watering. It is not too difficult to grow individual heads but one should to aim to grow a small pan full.

Aloe descoignsii - dubbed as the smallest Aloe species in the world. It too comes from Madagascar. Individual heads are under 5 cm. tending to form small clumps with age. The dull grey green concave triangular leaves are marked with whitish specks. Small orange flowers are borne on slender stalks. It is truly a gem of a plant. It requires a somewhat shadier location and careful watering.

Aloe haworthoides - this gem of an Aloe comes from Madagascar. Individual heads are usually not more than 6 cm. across. Individual leaves are dark green and covered with hair like bristles, which make it quite unique in its appearance. It likes slightly shady conditions and is not very fond of our summers. It will flower once established.

Aloe albida - not an easily available plant but one to look out for. It belongs to a distinct group of Aloes from South Africa called Grass Aloes. These long narrow leaved Aloes are marginally succulent. This particular species is one of the easier ones to cultivate. It has dark green leaves with small teeth at the margins. It has white flowers.