Gasteria baylissiana - Suurberg Gasteria

Scientific Name

Gasteria baylissiana Rauh

Common Names

Suurberg Gasteria, Suurberg Ox-tongue, Lawyer’s Tongue

Scientific Classification

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Gasteria

Description

Gasteria baylissiana is a stemless succulent plant, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall, prolific from the base to form small dense clusters, up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter, rarely solitary. The leaves grow in two vertical rows on opposite sides of the stem (distichous), up to 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) long and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) broad at the base and belt-shaped. Both upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are swollen, convex, rough, leathery and densely covered in tiny, white, truncate tubercles. The inflorescence is a raceme up to 14 inches (35 cm) tall, ascending, occasionally with a pair of side branches, bearing 15-25 flowers. The flowers are up to 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) long, bright red-pink and tubular.

Photo via wikipedia.org

How to Grow and Care

Gasteria are often grouped with Haworthia because the plants have similar cultural requirements. Both are attractive, small succulents that can tolerate somewhat more shade than many succulents, which makes them more suitable as houseplants. Gasteria are susceptible to fungal infections, which usually appear as black spots on the leaves. These are the result of too much humidity or water on the leaves, but they should not spread too quickly. Gasteria have a natural defense mechanism against such fungal attacks and attack the invading organism and seal off the wounded spot. In general, any place where Haworthia and Aloe thrive will be hospitable to a Gasteria.

Gasteria are small, shallow-rooted, and relatively slow-growing. They are often grown in small clusters in wide, shallow dishes. Over time, clusters will naturally enlarge as the mother plant sends off small plantlets… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Gasteria.