Is Aloe Vera A Cactus?

The resemblances between cacti and succulents, such as aloe vera, seem to be as many as the distinctions, so is aloe vera a cactus?

Considering that both types of plants desire similar living environments and necessitate comparable methods of care, you’d think the terms ‘cacti’ and ‘succulents’ are indistinguishable.

Even so, many of us know well enough by now that not everything that looks the same is actually the same, and this might be true for aloe vera and its similarity to cacti.

So, if you are here looking to find out whether aloe vera is a cactus or not, keep reading below!

Is Aloe Vera A Cactus?

Aloe vera is not a cactus plant. The Linnaean Classification System is a framework for classifying all living organisms using certain characteristics and genetic data.

Plants are classified into botanical groups according to the physical features and layout of their procreative systems, commonly referred to as flowers.

Aloe vera is a member of the family of plants called Asphodelaceae, whilst real cacti are members of the Cactaceae family.

Moreover, it is easy to tell that aloe vera is not a cactus just by looking at its flowers, while more in-depth examination reveals that the DNA structure of these two aforementioned plant families differs, resulting in varied morphological distinctions.

How Is An Aloe Vera Similar To A Cactus?

To some degree, we understand that these two varieties of plants are associated. Rather than being cones or having exposed seeds, both of these are plants that grow blossoms and also can yield fruit.

To thrive in arid zones, both plants have evolved and altered specific physical features.

For example, by ingesting the humid, tough flesh of the plants, both an aloe vera and a cactus guard themselves against hungry predatory creatures.

Both these plants prefer warm, dry environments and therefore can survive for long periods of time with no water at all, while they are also propagated in the same way.

Even though they possess comparable plant bits and anatomical structures, such as main stem, blossoms, and also leaves, their functions, and physiology are not the same.

What Are The Differences Between An Aloe Vera And A Cactus?

Family

As we have already mentioned, one of the most substantial differences between a cactus and an aloe vera plant is in their genetic makeup.

Aloe Vera belongs to the Asphodelaceae family and is biologically related to lotuses but not a cactus.

As odd as it might appear, there is an explanation that it is known as the Lily of Africa, and it is that the Asphodelaceae plants are known as ‘lilies’ too.

Geography

Another main difference is the regions where they grow and in which they are considered indigenous plants.

According to old Egyptian artifacts that have been discovered, it’s been shown that aloe vera was originally grown in the Mediterranean and the Middle East regions.

On the other hand, cacti are plants of the Western world, with North and South America being their native places.

Leaves

The aloe vera has pointed stingers around the edges, so it’s easy to see where the confusion arises from and why you might think these two plants are the same.

 However, unlike aloe vera, which does have some spikes all over its leaves, the spikes on cacti are their actual leaves.

Moreover, although the stem of cacti is that flesh you see, aloe vera’s stem is not really visible, which is what makes it a succulent rather than a cactus.

Size

A cactus can become quite big when grown outdoors, but an aloe vera needs to stay closer to the soil.

Indeed, aloe vera plants do not produce stems that rise too high due to their different features and core composition.

When they grow in an ideal environment, their leaves can grow more and spread quite far, distinguishing them from the rest and rather juicier-looking succulents.

Yet, regardless of its leaves’ greater length, aloe vera’s mass is quite big.

Edibility

Although both aloe vera and cactus are safe to eat, there is a sharp difference in their primary use. Cacti are nourishing plants, but an aloe vera plant can cure you.

Both are fine to consume in reasonable quantities, but keep in mind that you need to understand how to properly cook them as these two plants have a bitter flavor profile. The texture takes some getting used to as well.

Nutritional Value

The benefits of consuming aloe vera and cactus are different and once you learn what those are, you can take advantage of them and promote a healthy lifestyle!

With its medicinal benefits, aloe vera comprises a variety of antioxidants and vitamins.

This suggests it can support you when you experience symptoms such as acid reflux or when you have issues with your digestive health, even when you are in need of a detox.

Consuming the cactus flesh, on the other hand, is useful when you want to build a healthy body since the plant contains several minerals such as magnesium, which are essential for achieving that goal.

However, bear in mind that not all kinds of cacti are edible, so you need to make sure the one you are growing is.

Medicinal benefits

Although aloe vera is beneficial for things such as our digestive health, it is also beneficial to our skin.

Aloe is used to treat a variety of skin issues, including burn injuries, acne, and microbial infectious diseases, while it also helps to prevent dental plaque!

While aloe vera is quite easy to use for such problems, with cacti you need to be careful and more knowledgeable about which types of cacti can be used to treat which problems.

The Bottom Line

We believe that it is now quite clear that aloe vera might look similar to a cactus but it is not one.

It does not belong to the same family of plants either, so regardless of some similarities they have, these two plants are totally different!