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Products > Gasteria carinata var. carinata
 
Gasteria carinata var. carinata - Keeled Ox-tongue

Note: This plant is no longer in stock. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.  
Image of Gasteria carinata var. carinata
[2nd Image]
Habit and Cultural Information
Category: Succulent
Family: Aloeaceae (now Asphodeloideae)
Origin: South Africa (Africa)
Evergreen: Yes
Flower Color: Pink & White
Bloomtime: Summer
Height: <1 foot
Width: 1-2 feet
Exposure: Sun or Shade
Seaside: Yes
Summer Dry: Yes
Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs
Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F
Gasteria carinata (Keeled Ox-tongue) - A stemless (caulescent) aloe-like succulent that forms dense colonies several feet wide of clustered rosettes of upright 6 to 8 inch long triangular spear shaped leaves that are opposite each other at first, but becoming more rosulate with age. The upper side of the dark green leaves have a shallow channel towards the base but then flattens out near the narrow tip and both surfaces are slightly bumpy with white spots somewhat arranged in horizontal bands and with leaf margins that are rough to the touch. In mid to late winter appear the 2 foot long slender inflorescences bearing flowers that are salmon pink flowers at their swollen (gasteriform) base and white with green stripes toward the tips. This species is endemic to the eastern part of the Western Cape from close to the ocean at sea level up to 1,000 feet in elevation where it is found growing in rocky hills of the dry fynbos vegetation, often shaded by shrubs. Gasteria carinatais quite variable in leaf shape, color and texture with this one best matching Gasteria carinata var. carinata. 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 and the specific epithet is derived from Latin word meaning "a keel" in reference to its keeled leaves, though this form does not show this characteristic as obvious. It is also commonly known as the Bredasdorp Gasteria. 

Information displayed on this page about Gasteria carinata var. carinata is based on our research conducted about this plant in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about it as it has grown in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.

 
San Marcos Growers closed for regular business at the end of 2025 as the property is being developed for affordable housing.
While our gates remain closed, we will open them by appointment so we can liquidate remaining plants, supplies and equipment. The plants remaining in the field are listed on our Live Inventory Page.
 
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