Scientific Name
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii (Schönland) van Jaarsv.
Common Names
Cow Tongue
Synonyms
Gasteria armstrongii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Gasteria
Description
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii is a dwarf slow-growing succulent similar but much smaller than Gasteria nitida var. nitida. It can be distinguished by its very dark, retuse, distichous, roughly tuberculate leaves. The short thick rosettes of 2 to 4 leaves are up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The inflorescences are unbranched and up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. Flowers are pinkish-red with yellowish-green tips, stomach-shaped, and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Gasterias are often grouped with Haworthia because the plants have similar cultural requirements. Both are attractive small succulents that can tolerate 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. Gasterias 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.
Gasterias are small, shallow-rooted, and relatively slow-growing plants. 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.
Origin
This species is native to the Eastern Cape grasslands of 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
