Looking out on the plantations row upon row of Aloe Vera plants, the most striking element is the appearance of the plants themselves. They appear to be stemless with the leaves sprouting right out of the ground. Most people assume that Aloe is a species of cactus, but in fact they are in another family altogether - the Lily family - and are a tropical and subtropical succulent. The Aloe grown on the plantations and used by FLP is the species Aloe Barbadensis which is more commonly known as Aloe Vera, meaning "True Aloe".

The first phase in the growth, development and future use of Aloe Vera is planting; a "pup" (offshoot or sprout) from an Aloe stalk is delicately removed and carefully hand planted. The second phase is growth itself. The thick, fleshy green leaves grow to maturity in about three years, reach a length in excess of two feet and weigh up to three pounds each. Throughout the growth phase, no herbicides or pesticides are used on the plants, keeping them free of harmful chemicals.

Finally, upon full maturity, the Aloe plant is harvested. The leaves are removed, prepared for shipment and delivered to the next stop, about 50 miles northwest of Harlingen, up the Rio Grande Valley to the town of Mission, Texas.

A crop of this size is important as it ensures enough Aloe Vera to accommodate increased demands in the future as well as all existing needs. Also, it permits FLP to maintain strict quality control and guarantee both distributors and retail customers the highest quality Aloe Vera on the market.

The growing environment is free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The Aloe grows to maturity in about three years. Upon full maturity, the Aloe leaves are harvested and prepared for shipment After being harvested, the Aloe leaves are being transported to Mission, Texas for further processing.

The growing environment is free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

The Aloe grows to maturity in about three years.

Upon full maturity, the Aloe leaves are harvested and prepared for shipment

After being harvested, the Aloe leaves are being transported to Mission, Texas for further processing.