<P> Techniques based on DNA comparison suggest Aloe vera is relatively closely related to Aloe perryi, a species endemic to Yemen . Similar techniques, using chloroplast DNA sequence comparison and ISSR profiling have also suggested it is closely related to Aloe forbesii, Aloe inermis, Aloe scobinifolia, Aloe sinkatana, and Aloe striata . With the exception of the South African species A. striata, these Aloe species are native to Socotra (Yemen), Somalia, and Sudan . The lack of obvious natural populations of the species has led some authors to suggest Aloe vera may be of hybrid origin . </P> <P> The natural range of A. vera is unclear, as the species has been widely cultivated around the world . Naturalised strands of the species occur in the southern half of the Arabian Peninsula, through North Africa (Morocco, Mauritania, Egypt), as well as Sudan and neighbouring countries, along with the Canary, Cape Verde, and Madeira Islands . This distribution is somewhat similar to that of Euphorbia balsamifera, Pistacia atlantica, and a few others, suggesting that a dry sclerophyll forest once covered large areas, but has been dramatically reduced due to desertification in the Sahara, leaving these few patches isolated . For comparison, several closely related (or sometimes identical) species within other plant groups can be found on the two extreme sides of the Sahara: dragon trees (Dracaena) and Aeonium being two of the most representative examples . </P> <P> The species was introduced to China and various parts of southern Europe in the 17th century . The species is widely naturalized elsewhere, occurring in temperate and tropical regions of Australia, South America, Mexico, the Caribbean and southeastern US states . The actual species' distribution has been suggested to be the result of human cultivation (anthropogenic). </P> <P> Aloe vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant . The species is popular with modern gardeners as a putatively medicinal plant and for its interesting flowers, form, and succulence . This succulence enables the species to survive in areas of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for rockeries and other low water - use gardens . The species is hardy in zones 8--11, and is intolerant of heavy frost and snow . The species is relatively resistant to most insect pests, though spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and aphid species may cause a decline in plant health . This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit . </P>

Is aloe vera a fruit or a vegetable