Gasteria brachyphylla

G. brachyphylla var. brachyphylla

Section Gasteria, Series Gasteria

Gasteria brachyphylla is widespread in the little Karoo. Plants are variable in size. Plants from the Cango caves are large with broad leaves.

For me it is one of the most beautiful species. They are ideal as house plants.



Large G. brachyphylla in the garden of Sheilam nursery

Plant shape

Leaves are always distichous.  Plants remain stemless.

Leaves rather broad related to their length. In some forms very broad leaves (>8cm) , Surface smooth and often shiny, but not always. Pale spots can be small and separate or larger, merging into transverse bands. 

Proliferates from the base forming clumps

Can be confused with G. bicolor who has similar flowers but narrower leaves and develops a stem.
Can also be confused with G. disticha who has a similar shape and flowers, but the latter's leaves have an asperulous surface.


Flowers GA294, G. brachyphylla Touwsberg rivier

Flowers

Peduncle up to 90cm tall, simple or some side branches.

Flowers pink with a green striation. More crowded on the peduncle than G. bicolor.

They are edible and taste of fresh peas.

Growing

Variability

Only one described variety, but as said before, many different forms abound

plant Gerhard Marx

G. brachyphylla var. bayeri

Is a dwarf form with leaves no more than 5cm long and 3cm wide. It grow flat on the ground in rocky terrain south of Oudsthoorn.

Where

G. brachyphylla grows widespread  in the Little Karoo from Brandrivier in the west to Willowmore in the east. Usually on slopes in shaded valleys.

See the distribution map.

More pics

small form of G. brachyphylla var. brachyphylla from Wijnandsrivier near Volmoed. GA259, KA1336

GA318, from seed, Cactusflower Rumst

G. brachyphylla var. brachyphylla  around Matjiesvlei in the little Karoo

G. brachyphylla var. bayeri , GA377 CG591, Swartberg

Another large form. GA118.

G. brachyphylla in Southern Portugal.