People have been growing aloe vera plants (Aloe barbadensis) for literally thousands of years. It is one of the more recognizable and widely grown houseplants, and one of the most widely used medicinal plants on the planet. This native of Africa is a succulent in the genus of the same name (Aloe), of which there are over 180 species. Aloe barbadensis is the botanical name for the recognizable aloe vera. The plant sports beautiful, thick leaves fashioned in a rosette form.