Aloes -- Aloe succotrina or Aloe barbadensis

These aloe specie`s are native to the Holy Lands; therefore, botanists believe that Aloe succotrina and Aloe barbadensis were the species available in Bible times. It is hypothesized that Aloe succotrina was the model for the menorah. The shrouds used to wrap the bodies of the dead were perfumed with oil from aloes. This oil also served as embalming oil for shrouds.

Cultivation

Aloes cannot tolerate frost. Grow these in pots so they can be over wintered indoors. Use a fast draining soil. Avoid using fertilizers with high nitrogen content since this will result in abnormal growth. Avoid over-watering or the plant will rot.

Bible References:

John 19:39: And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

Mark 14:4-5: And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. (The ointment most likely contained aloe.)

Matthew 26:7: There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

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