Aloe vera is the name of a prickly plant from the succulent family with thick, fleshy leaves that can grow up to two feet long.
This plant grows naturally in tropical and sub-tropical climates, originating in places like South Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, but is actually cultivated all over the world.
There are two main parts of the plant that are used:
- A yellow sap, called latex, found right underneath the plant's skin
- The thick, clear gel found inside the leaves