Scientific Name
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii (Schönland) van Jaarsv.
Common Name(s)
Cow Tongue
Synonym(s)
Gasteria armstrongii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Gasteria
Origin
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii is native to South Africa. It grows in the grasslands of Gamtoos Valley near Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape province.
Description
Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii, also known as Gasteria armstrongii, is a dwarf, slow-growing succulent similar to but much smaller than Gasteria nitida var. nitida. It can be distinguished by its very dark green, retuse, distichous, roughly tuberculate leaves. The distichous rosettes of 2 to 4 leaves can reach 4 inches (10 cm) in width.
The inflorescences are unbranched and bear pinkish-red flowers with yellowish-green tips. They can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) long. The flowers are stomach-shaped and can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length.
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, 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 fungal attacks, 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 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.
Forms and Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Gasteria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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