Gasteria excelsa
G. excelsa has smaller, pink flowers
Section Longiflorae, Series Multifariae
Gasteria excelsa is one of the bigger Gasteria that can be mistaken for an Aloe when not in flower.
It grows in shaded and exposed positions in the north-eastern part of the Eastern Cape. It likes to grow along the valleys of major rivers in a subtropical climate.
G. excelsa in the botanical garden of Berlin
Plant shape
G. excelsa grows into a large rozette. Some forms remain medium sized, others can become very large.
Leaves are triangular in shape with a distinct keel and sharp edges. Tehy point straight outwards like swords. Some forms have serrated teeth at the end. A very hard acute tip can even be dangerous.
The leaf surface is smooth and often shiny. Dark green in base colour, most of the time without spots, but some forms have them.
G. excelsa can be confused with other large Gasteria, like G. croucheri or G. acinifolia. However it can always be distinguished by its pink, smaller flowers. G. croucheri usually have a dull leaf surface with a blueish bloom and has much larger flowers. G. acinacifolia has curved leaves and also much larger flowers on a flat topped panicle.
Smaller forms can also be confused with G. nitida or G. visserii, but again the flowers tell the difference.
G. excelsa may produce offshoots from the base, but not many.
G. excelsa has small flowers . CG49 Gaika Fort.
Flowers
The flowerstalk of g.excelsa can be very large and branched. Up to 1.5m!
But the flowers are rather small 1.5-2.5cm, pink in colour.
Variability
G. excelsa does not have any described varieties or subspecies, but many forms can be found amongst collectors. For instance
Where
G. excelsa occurs in a broad region of the Eastern Cape from Port Alfred to the Fish river and to the Msikaba river in the north east.
It seems to prefer growing along cliffs of river valleys. Adult plants may be found in full sunshine.
See also the distribution map.
Growing tips
Some remarks for growing this species:
if you have the space, plant it in full ground in semi-shade. It will grow to its full potential
adult plants of this species can take a fair amount of morning/evening sun, just make sure they are shielded from a hot afternoon sun
the large leaves are really easy to propagate, so if a leaf breaks off, don't waste it
More pics
G. excelsa often has a very sharp serrated leaf edge.
G. excelsa, croucheri and loedolfiae are often planted on top of a house to ward of lightning.
G. excelsa from Gaika fort are paler with vague lines on their leaves
G. excelsa often grows in full sunshine.
© Photo Walker Young
G. excelsa 'Cala' young plant.GA146
G. excelsa in Babylon's toren farm Gasteria collection