Scientific Name
Gasteria rawlinsonii Oberm.
Common Name(s)
Baviaanskloof Cliff Gasteria
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Gasteria
Description
Gasteria rawlinsonii is a long-lived succulent shrub that branches from the base with erect stems that become pendulous and grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) long. It is one of the most unusual of the Gasteria species. Leaves are fleshy, ascending-spreading, and arranged in 2 rows or a spiral at a distance of up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) from each other. They are narrow, strap-shaped, recurved at the ends, green, brownish-green to reddish-green, rarely with faint white spots, up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The inflorescences have pink flowers and appear throughout the year, but mainly in spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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, 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. 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 South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Gasteria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
