Scientific Name
Astroloba spiralis (L.) Uitewaal
Common Name(s)
Rough Flowered Apicra
Synonym(s)
Aloe pentagona, Aloe spiralis, Apicra pentagona, Apicra spiralis, Haworthia gweneana, Haworthia spiralis, Tulista spiralis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Astroloba
Etymology
The specific epithet "spiralis" (pronounced "spir-AH-liss") means "spiraling" and refers to the spiral arrangement of leaves of this species.
Origin
Astroloba spiralis is native to South Africa. It grows on karroid flats and lower slopes in the Eastern Cape and Little Karoo in the Western Cape province.
Description
Astroloba spiralis is a small, clump-forming succulent with numerous stems densely covered with smooth, sharp-pointed, deep green leaves. The leaves are arranged in five spiral rows, creating column-like structures. The stems can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and branch from the base, forming a dense clump over time. Initially, the stems are erect but gradually become decumbent as they grow. The columns can reach a diameter of 1.6 inches (4 cm). The leaves are thick and fleshy, with an almost flat upper surface and a keeled underside from near the middle to the tip. They can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) wide. The margins and keel are roughened with tiny deltoid teeth.
The flowers appear in the fall and are a distinguishing feature of this species. They are somewhat hexagonal, measuring up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long, and have a rough, green-lined, white, spongy texture and yellow tips.
How to Grow and Care for Astroloba spiralis
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 10b to 11b: from 35°F (1.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Astroloba plants are increasingly popular as succulent ornaments 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, which are usually disfigured by their harsh habitat.
In cultivation, Astrolobas are at their best when given some protection from full sun. However, in semi-shade, with well-drained soil and gentle conditions, Astrolobas can become remarkably beautiful and ornate.
Unfortunately, when conditions are not ideal, occasional leaves can die, shrivel, and turn brown along their stems. This is unfortunate because much of the beauty of 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.
Links
- Back to genus Astroloba
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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