All you wanted to know about Haworthias, Gasterias and Astrolobas: Astroloba pentagona

Astroloba pentagona, Oskopvlakte

Astroloba pentagona (Haw.) Uitewaal
by Jakub Jilemicky and Steven Molteno

pentagona: five-angled

Astroloba pentagona (previously listed as 'hallii') forms an eastern extension from Astroloba bullulata, its tubercled western neighbour, but can be differentiated by its longer, sharper, straighter leaves, which are usually covered in longitudinal striations (lines). Occasional populations have tubercles too, which always occur along the striations.

Astroloba pentagona, near Laingsburg

The inflorescence of this plant is similar to that of its relative bullulata, but towards the east of its range it can become many times taller. Near Vleiland the plants have inflorescences that can reach hip-height. The flowers are tiny, yellowish and tubular.

Astroloba pentagona extends from the Rooinek pass and Laingsburg in the west, southwards to the hills along the Laingsburg-Seweweekspoort road, and eastwards (possibly) as far as Floriskraal Dam. In this range, it favours shale ridges and bushes which it can grow within for protection from the heat (“nursery bushes”). To the south-west, this species fades gradually into Astroloba spirella (its relative of the Little Karoo) and intermediates have smaller, smoother leaves. To the east it gradually changes into Astroloba tenax.

Map of distribution

Astroloba pentagona is easy to cultivate, this plant favours semi-shade, extremely well-drained soil, and minimal water. If it is adjusted to full sun, it will often respond by its dark margins and tubercles going pinkish white. It can be propagated easily by seed, or by cuttings/offsets which should be allowed to dry in a shady spot for several weeks before planting.

Known localities: