Aloe vera. Cultivation of the plant Aloe vera. Fields of Aloe vera are seen with a strip of harvested plants awaiting collection. Aloe is a genus of shrub-like plants of the family Liliaceae, characterised by their long fleshy leaves. Aloe vera is cultivated throughout the world for its soothing effects. The flesh of Aloe vera soothes skin complaints such as sunburn. Aloe vera is a part of many traditional eastern medicines such as Chinese herbal medicine and Indian traditional medicine (known as Ayurvedism). Photographed in Korea.