Scientific Name
Gasteria baylissiana Rauh
Common Names
Suurberg Gasteria, Suurberg Ox-tongue, Lawyer's Tongue
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Gasteria
Description
Gasteria baylissiana is a small, stemless succulent with leaves that grow in two vertical rows on opposite sides of the stem. It grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and offsets prolifically from the base to form a dense cluster. Leaves are tongue-shaped, up to 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) long, and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The surfaces of the leaves are swollen, rough, and covered in tiny white tubercles. In spring, usually unbranched, up to 14 inches (35 cm) long stems bear a row of 15 to 25 bell-shaped, bright red-pink and green flowers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
These plants are often grouped with Haworthias because the plants have similar cultural requirements. Both are attractive, small succulents that can tolerate somewhat more shade than many succulents, making them more suitable as houseplants.
Gasterias are susceptible to fungal infections, which usually appear as black spots on the leaves. These result from too much humidity or water on the leaves, but they should not spread too quickly. They 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.
These succulents 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.
Origin
Native to the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Gasteria
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
