Gasteria

Gasteria is a genus of succulent plants in the family Asphodelaceae, native to southern Africa. The genus contains around 25–35 species, though numbers vary with taxonomic revision. The name derives from the Latin gaster, meaning “stomach,” a reference to the bulbous shape of the flowers seen in several species.

Plants are evergreen perennials with thick, fleshy leaves that form rosettes or two-ranked clumps. Leaves are typically blue-green to gray-green, often with rough tubercles or banding. They may be smooth or warty, and margins can be toothed. Inflorescences are tall and often pinkish or orange, bearing gaster-shaped flowers that give the genus its name.

Distribution and habitat: Gasteria is native to southern Africa, especially in arid and semi-arid regions of South Africa, with some species extending into Namibia. They grow on rocky slopes, hillsides, and river valleys and are adapted to drought. They tolerate neglect but are sensitive to frost.

Cultivation and propagation: Gasteria is popular in cultivation as a low-maintenance succulent. They require well-draining soil, bright light with some shade in hotter climates, and watering only after the soil has dried. They produce offsets that can be separated for propagation; seeds are also possible. Leaf cuttings are generally less reliable.

Taxonomy and notable species: Gasteria was once united with Aloe but is now placed in the Asphodelaceae. Notable cultivated species include Gasteria carinata, Gasteria verrucosa, Gasteria nitida, and Gasteria bicolor. The genus is closely related to Haworthia and is sometimes hybridized in cultivation.