Gasteria visserii
G. visseri
Section Longiflorae, Series Multifariae
Gasteria visserii was described based on a number of plants belonging to Peter Berend, who collected them over years in an area between the Keiskamma and the Great Fish rivers.
EVJ described these plants as a new species. However, the plants have (so far) not been rediscovered at their location.
G. visserii looks like a small excelsa - and has indeed been described as an intermediate between G. excelsa and G. nitida, but there seem to be differences. Of which I can tell you very little since I am not in the possesion of an adult plant.
The climate in that area is Cfb, warm temperate humid.
For the moment, the number of known specimens is rather small. It may haowever be that there are clones in the possession of collectors who don't realise they have an G. visserii?
G. visserii has strongly triangular leaves who curve.
Plant Babylonstoren 2019-257
Plant shape
G. visserii grows into a rozette. Juvenile plants are distichous with a slight warty surface.
Leaves are triangular in shape with a keel/ridge and curved (falcate) backwards. Cross section is also triangular. They are up to 15cm in length and max 5cm broad at the base. The leaf surface has a dark green background with some paler dots. The surface seems to be smooth.
Juvenile plants have leaves which are asperulous.
This description is based on the available plants and may well change in the future.
G. visserii could be confused with a young excelsa or nitida on first appearances.
G. visserii produces offshoots from the base and forms large clusters with up to 8 plants.
Flowers
The flowerstalk is max 75cm tall and sometimes has a pair of side branches.
Flowers 3cm, pink with a white mouth with green striations.
Variability
G. visserii does not have any described varieties or subspecies.
Where
G. visserii has originally been collected in an area between the Keiskamma and Fish river in the Eastern Cape, but has not been found yet again.
See also the distribution map.
More pics
G. visserii at Babylonstoren
G. visserii at Babylonstoren
G. visserii ? showplant belonging to a collector