Scientific Name
Haworthia emelyae var. multifolia M.B.Bayer
Synonym(s)
Haworthia multifolia
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Haworthia
Etymology
The specific epithet "emelyae" (pronounced "EM-el-ee-ay") honors Emily Pauline Reitz Ferguson (1872–1947), a plant collector in South Africa.
The varietal epithet "multifolia" (pronounced "trunk-AH-tuh") means "many-leaved; having many leaves". It refers to the rosettes of this variety, which have more leaves compared to the rosettes of Haworthia emelyae var. emelyae.
Description
Haworthia emelyae var. multifolia is a small succulent that forms stemless, slowly proliferating rosettes of dark green leaves with dark veins that contrast with the translucent windows. The rosettes can reach a diameter of 2.8 inches (7 cm). This variety has larger rosettes and more slender suberect leaves than Haworthia emelyae var. emelyae. The leaves are lance-shaped with irregularly toothed margins, keel-toothed with fine whitish teeth, and a fine bristle at the tip. They can measure up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long and 0.4 inches (4 cm) wide.
The flowers are small, white or pinkish-white with greenish or pinkish-brown veins, and appear in a raceme on a stalk that can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long.
Origin
Haworthia emelyae var. multifolia is native to South Africa. It occurs around Ladismith in the western Little Karoo region of the Western Cape province.
How to Grow and Care for Haworthia emelyae var. multifolia
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
These succulents aren't difficult to grow as houseplants. If you can keep a pot of Aloe alive on a windowsill, you can probably do the same with a dish of Haworthia. As with all succulents, the most common issue is overwatering. Never let them sit in water under any circumstances. At the same time, you can grow these little decorative plants in interesting containers such as teacups and even miniature baby shoes. If you're given a Haworthia in such a container, ensure the container has adequate drainage.
Haworthias are small, usually between 3 and 5 inches (7.5 cm and 12.5 cm) in height, 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. When the cluster outgrows its dish, repot it into a new, wide, shallow dish with fresh potting soil in spring or early summer. This is also the time to take offsets for propagation.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Haworthia.
Links
- Back to genus Haworthia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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