Native to the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean, we find the true aloe plant. It is in the succulent group possessing fleshy and thick leaves that grow in a rosette shape at the root. The stem, which has no leaves, bears the flowers. These flowers belong to the lily family, are only two inches long and are bright vermilion and a clear, yellow. The pistil is golden yellow.
The leaves are bluish gray and contain aloin. Aloin was added to incenses, then dissolved in water for preparing bodies to be buried. When condensed, aloe juice has strong purgative uses. It was well-known in ancient times by Greeks and Egyptians. A bright purple liquid oozes from the leaves when they are pressed.
Source: All the Plants of the Bible, Walker
John 19:38 (KJV) And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of
Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take
away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
John 19:39 (KJV) 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.
John 19:40 (KJV) Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen
clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
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