Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. It is widely distributed, and is considered an invasive species in many world regions.
Teeth on the leaf edges
Spotted forms, also named Aloe vera var. chinensis
Historical image from Acta Eruditorum, 1688
As an ornamental plant
Aloe is a genus containing over 650 species of flowering succulent plants. The most widely known species is Aloe vera, or "true aloe". It is called this because it is cultivated as the standard source for assorted pharmaceutical purposes. Other species, such as Aloe ferox, are also cultivated or harvested from the wild for similar applications.
Aloe
Succulent plants, such as this aloe, store water in their enlarged fleshy leaves, stems, or roots, as shown in this split aloe leaf. This allows them to survive in arid environments.
Spikes on an Aloe Vera houseplant
Multiple Aloe species with a variety of growth forms. UCLA Botanical Garden