What causes thunderstorms? Thunderstorms form when an air mass becomes so unstable that it overturns (convects) violently. Unstable means that the air in the lowest layers is unusually warm and humid, or that the upper layers are unusually cool, or oftentimes, both.
Aloe is the name of a plant genus that contains more than 300 species. Most of the aloe species are native to Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula. In addition to the familiar cactus-like plant called aloe vera that many people use to soothe sunburns and other skin ailments, this genus has plants that range from grassy succulents to large trees.
Aloe vera is the star of the Aloe genus that many people know for its gooey sap that can soothe a sunburn in minutes. It is included in many commercial skin remedies and has strong economic significance. Aloe vera is the best aloe to use for medicinal purposes, since other member of the genus can have toxic properties. Aloe vera is suited for use as a houseplant and does well in lower light and dry conditions. It is frost tender, so it needs protection from the cold.