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

Haworthia livida, Lemoenpoort, East

Haworthia livida (M.B.Bayer) I.Breuer

livida: bluish-grey

H. livida is a small compact species, size of the rosette up to 3 - 4 cm, with upright light green leaves with partly pellucid spots. It was originaly described as a variety of H. pubescens. It grows solitairy, has broader leaves than H. pubescens, which are less pubescent and numerous.

Distribution map

H. livida is known from Lemoenpoort, where it grows high on the slopes. It occurs deep buried in the sandy soil or in rock crevices, well hidden from predator eyes. Closest relative could H. maculata, which occurs not long distance to the North at Brandvlei dam. Relationship with notabilis and mirabilis diversicolor which are growing further to Southeast should be taken in consideration. At Dewetseberge Bayer found interesting populations with intermediate (or maybe hybrids?) plants of maculata, pubescens and livida.

It is still quite rare species in cultivation. Propagation should be done by seed.