Scientific Name
Astroloba herrei Uitewaal
Synonym(s)
Astroloba dodsoniana, Haworthia dodsoniana, Haworthia harlandiana
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Astroloba
Description
Astroloba herrei is a small succulent with stems densely covered in pointed succulent leaves. It grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Its grey-green, sharp, keeled leaves and puffed-up, inflated flowers make it easily mistaken for the closely related Astroloba spiralis. However, it is genetically distinct and can always be distinguished by its flowers. Both A. spiralis and A. herrei have puffed-up, inflated flowers, but those of A. herrei are smooth, unlike A. spiralis, which has a wrinkled transversely rugose perianth.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Astroloba plants are increasingly popular as succulent ornamental due to the extraordinary beauty of their leaf structure. Some have intricate patterns of lines, margins, spots, and raised tubercles on their leaves. Nearly all of them display a crystal-like regularity in their leaf arrangement. This is not always apparent in wild plants, usually disfigured by their harsh habitat.
In cultivation, Astrolobas are at their best when provided with some protection from the full sun. However, Astrolobas can become remarkably beautiful and ornate in a semi-shade environment with extremely well-drained soil and gentle conditions.
Unfortunately, when conditions are not ideal, occasional random leaves can die, shrivel up and go brown all along their stem. This is unfortunate because much of the beauty of the plants comes from the intricate, crystalline pattern of their leaves. However, this disfigurement can be avoided by keeping the plants in optimal, fertile conditions – growing steadily and sheltered from stress.
See more at: How to Grow and Care for Astroloba.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (a small area of the Karoo, on the border between the Western and Northern Cape).
Links
- Back to genus Astroloba
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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