9 Fascinating Things You Didn't Know About Aloe

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1. IT ORIGINATED IN AFRICA.

And thrives in a hot, dry climate. You can find this succulent growing all over the Middle East and on islands in the Indian Ocean.

2. IN FACT, IT CONSISTS OF 99% WATER.

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Hence it's killer ability to withstand extreme heat.

3. IT'S A MEMBER OF THE LILY FAMILY.

Nicknamed the "Lily of the Desert," the biggest indicator that aloe comes from this family is the tubular flowers it produces every spring.

4. CLEOPATRA WAS A SUPER FAN.

Ancient writings dating back to 1550 B.C. refer to the Egyptian queen using the plant's gel in her beauty routines. It's rumored she rubbed the gel over her body for softer skin.

5. THERE ARE MORE THAN 400 SPECIES.

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If you only know about the small household plant, you're missing out: The different varieties of aloe range in size from a 1-inch-wide succulent to a 50-foot-tall tree.

6. THEIR BLOSSOMS COME IN DIFFERENT COLORS.

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Including white, yellow, orange, and red varieties.

7. THE GREEKS THOUGHT IT CURED BALDNESS.

And insomnia. The jury is still out on the latter (but we doubt it). 

8. PEOPLE EAT IT IN YOGURT IN JAPAN.

Aloe is actually one of the most popular flavors and can be found in beverages, too. Some claim it helps maintain beauty. 

9. IT LOOKS AWESOME AS A CENTERPIECE.

Courtesy of Snippet & Ink

There's something very Jumanji about this design that was featured in a wedding from Snippet & Ink — and we're totally digging it.

By Lauren Smith