| Gasteria bicolor | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Gasteria bicolor in cultivation (The main"bicolor" variety) | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Subfamily: | Asphodeloideae |
| Genus: | Gasteria |
| Species: | G. bicolor |
| Binomial name | |
| Gasteria bicolor (L.) Haw. | |
Gasteria bicolor (previously namedGasteria obliqua orGasteria maculata) is aspecies ofsucculentflowering plant in thefamily Asphodelaceae, native to theEastern Cape,South Africa.
This is a very variable species ofGasteria, common in cultivation. It grows multiple proliferous stems, all covered in untidy masses of the shiny, mottled, colourful, succulent leaves. It usually forms rosettes, but can sometimes bedistichous, especially in cultivation. The leaves can also occasionally develop a keel. Each leaf has a sharp point on the tip.
The flowers generally appear on a long stem of about 30 cm (12 in), that carries tubular bell-shaped pink to orange flowers.[1][2]
There are three major varieties, which grade into each other:
G. bicolor naturally occurs over a wide area of the Eastern Cape. In its natural habitat, it is typically found on rocky slopes and outcrops in the thicket vegetation of the region, and is particularly common aroundPort Elizabeth, a summer rainfall region. Its natural range overlaps with several other species ofGasteria.[6]
This species is popular in cultivation, although it is slow growing. It prefers well-drained rich soil and summer watering. Only hardy down to 5 °C (41 °F), in temperate regions it must be grown under glass in the winter months. Cultivation requirements are similar to those for other succulents and cacti. The varietyG. bicolor var.lilliputana has gained theRoyal Horticultural Society'sAward of Garden Merit.[7][8]
