Gasteria thunbergii

G. thunbergii

Section Longiflorae, Series Multifariae

Gasteria thunbergii was described in the 1994 book by EVJ as a cultivar 'Herbertsdale' of G. carinata, later on as G. carinata var. thunbergii and finally as a species in its own right. This probably because it was described in 1923 as G. thunbergii by N.E. Brown after a plant collected and documented in 1772 by the botanist Carl Thunberg.

It is a small plant that grows in sheltered position only in the Gouritz valley near Herberstdale. The climate is warm temperate.

It is not difficult to grow, but make sure your soil type drains enough. It is prone to rot if kept too moist.

G. thunbergii GA224, got as carinata 'Herbertsdale' ex Sheilam

Plant shape

G. thunbergii starts out distichous but may eventually start turning a bit.

Leaves are elongated triangular in shape and of a dark green colour. They are deeply channeled (the new leaf lying inside the groove of the one below) and with numerous tubercles. These tubercles are often arranged in clear transverse bands and can be white or of a green colour.

The largest form has leaves no longer than 10cm, mostly plants are smaller.

It can be mistaken for a small form of G. carinata var. verrucosa but the deep leaf channels and the overall green colour distinguish it.

G. thunbergii produces numerous offshoots from the base.

G. thunbergii flowers

Flowers

The unbranched inflorescence is about 45cm long.

Flowers 1.8-2cm, pink with a yellow-green mouth , very similar to other carinata flowers..

Variability

G. thunbergii not have any described varieties or subspecies.

Where

G. thunbergii is only found on the banks of the Gouritsrivier near Herberstdale south of the Langeberg.

Gasteria thunbergii

Plant shape

Flowers

Variability

Where

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