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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Aloeaceae (Aloes) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Pink |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Height: <1 foot |
| Width: <1 foot |
| Exposure: Cool Sun/Light Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Gasteria glomerata (Ox Tongue) - A very attractive slow growing small species of Gasteria that reaches to about 4 inches tall and suckers to make dense clumps to 1 foot wide. It has short (1 to 2 inch) slightly recurved grey-green rounded strap-shaped leaves that are held distichously (paired opposite each other) and are slightly rough in texture. The attractive small flowers appear primarily in spring and have a bulbous reddish orange base and a green tip held pendant in unbranched outwardly arching 8 inch long inflorescences. The shape of these flowers, with bulbous bases and narrow lips, is called "gasteriform", meaning shaped like the stomach, which is the basis for the name of the genus. Plant in a well-drained soil in shade to part sun, though can color up interestingly and is shorter and flatter if it receives some direct sun, at least for us along the coast. Irrigate occasionally in summer but allow to go dry between watering and can subsist on rainfall through winter. Has proven hardy to 25° F - went without damage during our January 2007 freeze with 3 nights down to this temperature. A great container or succulent garden plant for a bright shady or morning sun spot. It is easy to grow and, though not fast growing, it is long lived and multiplies well. In the wild this plant is a rare endemic confined to the lower Kouga River at Kouga Dam near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It grows from 1,600 to 2,300 feet in elevation along steep rocky shaded south facing cliffs. This area can get winter and summer rainfall. The name for the genus comes from the Greek word 'gaster' meaning "stomach", in reference to the swollen shape of the base of the flower. The specific epithet means clustered into a head and pertains to its densely arranged flower clusters. This plant was discovered, and then described in 1991, by the botanist Ernst Van Jaarsveld. Van Jaarsveld was then on staff at Kirstenbosch and is the author of Gasterias Of South Africa: A New Revision Of A Major Succulent Group. Our plants came from the collection of Stockton succulent collector Alice Waidhofer who got her plant from Van Jaarsveld's initial distribution of plants from this type locality.
This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Gasteria glomerata.
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