All you wanted to know about Haworthias, Gasterias and Astrolobas: Haworthia magnifica var. atrofusca

H. magnifica var. atrofusca, NW. Heidelberg

Haworthia magnifica var. atrofusca (G.G.Smith) M.B.Bayeratrofusca: very dark brown

H. magnifica var. atrofusca is a smaller species with very dark green leaves with bunt rounded leaf tips. It is a slowly growing and also slowly proliferous plant which turns nice reddish when more exposed, but in nature they grow usually well hidden amongst bushes or stones. Upper side of the leaves is densely and finely tubercled against a scarcely translucent background.

Distribution map

Var. atrofusca is growing around Riversdale to the South, North and finally West. West of the town, at Spitzkop, is a type locality. Further on at farm Kweekvlei occurs some intermediate forms of magnifica and heidelbergensis and some nature hybrids with floribunda as well. The robust form from NW. of Riversdale (at Korinte Road) with much more robust and beautiful roundish leaves was described by Breuer as H. enigma. (I will publish an article about it later). Bayer and Bruyns founded interesting form of mirabilis which resembles H. atrofusca at Potberg area, which is much further South than the main distribution area.

H. magnifica var. atrofusca in cultivation grows fine in more shady condition. Propagation can by done by seeds or cuttings.

Known localities: