Tag: Gasteria

This plant is widely distributed in the eastern Cape and is typical for the subtropical thicket of the area. I has a short leafy stem up to 20 cm tall and slightly twisted leaves with a sharp off-center tip.
The inflorescence is quite impressive: 1-1.5 m tall, with up to 8 side-branches.
Pictures taken near Uitenhage, 25 Oct. 2012

Whereas most Gasterias are found on dry rocky slopes -usually hiding under taller plants- this species is typical for sand dunes on the South African south coast, from Knysna eastwards to Port Alfred. Its large rosettes may become up to 75 cm tall and almost as much in diameter.