Genus of more than 300 species, plus many hybrids, of small to large, rosette, evergreen perennials, some are shrub-like or climbing, a few tree-like. They are found in the Cape Verde Islands, tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula. They require little water or care. Juice from the thick, pointed, sharply toothed leaves of some species is used in medicines. However, all Aloe leaves are toxic if eaten, so grow plants away from children.