Scientific Name
Gasteria nitida (Salm-Dyck) Haw.
Synonym(s)
Aloe nitida, Haworthia nitida
Common Name(s)
Bathurst Gasteria
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Gasteria
Etymology
The specific epithet "nitida" (pronounced "NI-ti-duh") means "shining," "glossy," or "polished" and refers to the shiny leaf surfaces of this species.
Origin
Gasteria nitida is native to South Africa. It occurs from Uniondale in Western Cape to the Great Fish River mouth in the Eastern Cape province at an elevation of about 3,280 feet (1,000 m).
Description
Gasteria nitida is a stemless succulent with smooth, triangular leaves arranged in spiral or distichous rosettes. It is a highly variable species that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall and 11.2 inches (25 cm) wide, either solitary or can produce offsets from the base, forming a small clump over time. The leaves are at first distichous, becoming rosulate or rarely remaining in the distichous phase, measuring up to 7.2 inches (18 cm) long and up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) wide. They are shiny, dark green with white spots arranged in irregular transverse bands. The juvenile leaves usually have tuberculate surfaces.
The flowers, which can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length, are nodding and bell-shaped basally for slightly more than half their length. They are bright reddish pink with yellow throats and appear in simple or branched racemes in summer.
Varieties and Forms of Gasteria nitida
- Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii
- Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii f. variegata
- Gasteria nitida var. nitida
How to Grow and Care for Gasteria nitida
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Gasterias are often grouped with Haworthia because the plants have similar cultural requirements. Both are attractive, small succulents that tolerate more shade than many others, 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. Gasterias have a natural defense mechanism against such fungal attacks, and attack the invading organism and seal off the wounded spot. Generally, any place where Haworthia and Aloe thrive will be hospitable to a Gasteria.
Gasterias are small, shallow-rooted, and relatively slow-growing. Therefore, 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.
Links
- Back to genus Gasteria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
