All you wanted to know about Haworthias, Gasterias and Astrolobas: Haworthia bruynsii

Haworthia bruynsii, Langveld

Haworthia bruynsii M.B.Bayer

bruynsii: for P.V.Bruyns.

H. bruynsii is very interesting small species. Plants are dark green to brownish, and remains solitary and have only 5-10 leaves when fully grown. Most of the end-leave areas are rough, but some are smooth. In habitat H. bruynsii grows sunken in the ground usually well hidden under the bushes or amongst rocks.

Discovery of H. bruynsii was a big surprise. It seems strange, but it belongs to subgenus Hexangulares, because of the flower - peduncle is long and wiry and the florets are six-sided at the base.

Distribution area is to the south-east of Steytlerville up to the Springbokvlakte area. At locality East of Springbokvlakte I have seen plants 5 cm in diameter. In discussion is its relationship with H. sordida. It grows in area, where apart from H. sordida are growing H. springbokvlakensis, H. decipiens, H. viscosa, H. arachnoidea var. setata (tretyrensis) and H. nigra. It is known from 4-5 localities, but still it is quite rare plant.

Distribution map

In cultivation it belongs to more difficult species. Some growers say, they keep it covered with small stones (or pumice) and only leave ends are visible. In my experience it needs first of all more shady condition and well drained substrate. Propagation must be done by seeds.