Gasteria bicolor
| Gasteria bicolor | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Gasteria bicolor in cultivation (The main "bicolor" variety) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Xanthorrhoeaceae |
| Subfamily: | Asphodeloideae |
| Genus: | Gasteria |
| Species: | G. bicolor |
| Binomial name | |
| Gasteria bicolor (L.) Haw. | |
Gasteria bicolor (previously named Gasteria obliqua or Gasteria maculata) is succulent plant native to the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Description
This is a very variable species of Gasteria, that is common in cultivation. It grows multiple proliferous stems, all covered in untidy masses of the shiny, mottled, colourful, succulent leaves. It usually forms rosettes, but can sometimes be distichous, especially in cultivation. The leaves can also occasionally develop a keel. Each leaf has a sharp point on the tip.
The flowers generally appear on a long stem of about 30 cm, that carries tubular bell-shaped pink to orange flowers.[1][2]
There are three major varieties, which grade into each other:
- Gasteria bicolor var. bicolor (Haw.) The more widespread type variety.
- Gasteria bicolor var. fallax (Haw.) A variety with narrow, elongated, linear, mottled leaves (c.140 x 11mm). Dense clumps are known from the Albany thickets near Swartwaterspoort.
- Gasteria bicolor var. liliputana (Poelln.) Previously classed as the species "Gasteria liliputana". The smallest variety in the entire Gasteria genus, the rosettes are around 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide. The foliage is dark green with white spots. It is relatively rare and occurs in the Grahamstown area.[3][4][5]
Distribution
It naturally occurs over a wide area of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. In its natural habitat, it is typically found on rocky slopes and outcrops in the thicket vegetation of the region, and is particularly common around Port Elizabeth. This is a summer rainfall region. Its natural range overlaps with several other species of Gasteria.[6]
Cultivation
This species is popular in cultivation, although it is slow growing. It prefers well-drained rich soil and summer watering.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gasteria bicolor. |
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gasteria bicolor var. liliputana. |
References
- ↑ Gasteria bicolor - SANBI redlist page
- ↑ Gasteria bicolor - Gasteria information page
- ↑ Bill Keen (18 October 2011). CACTI AND SUCCULENTS: Step-by-Step to Growing Success. Crowood Press, Limited. p. 197. ISBN 978-1-84797-350-4.
- ↑ "davesgarden.com". Retrieved 7 September 2013.
- ↑ Dennis R. Pittenger (1 January 2006). Retail Garden Center Manual. UCANR Publications. p. 67. ISBN 978-1-879906-74-7.
- ↑ Gasteria bicolor - PlantzAfrica information page