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

Astroloba spirella, Wittepoort

Astroloba spirella (Haw.) Molteno&Gideon F.Sm.
by Jakub Jilemicky and Steven Molteno

spirella: little-spiral (diminutive)

(Previously listed as 'smutsiana') To a beginner, this little species might seem like the “vanilla” of Astrolobas - without any of the more extreme characteristics which differentiate the outlying species. But this is unfair to a species which is both variable, unique and beautiful in its own right. It has no tubercles and its leaf points are truly marginate. It is relatively central in the genus, in terms of characteristics, if not geographically.

Astroloba spirella, near Ladismith

It is also difficult to recognise and distinguish from its relatives. When not in flower it is easily confused with Astroloba spiralis – its close relative to the East. However the two are genetically distinct and the rugose, inflated flower of spiralis is also unique. Its flowers resemble most those of Astroloba corrugata – its asperous neighbour to the South-West, but the two are entirely distinct in vegetative appearance. It also transitions gradually into Astroloba pentagona – its neighbour to the North. The plants tend to be more striped in the North, as the species transitions into pentagona. There are minute, striped forms in Drielingskloof, and forms with beautiful straight, compact leaves in far West of its range (near Joubertskop).

Distribution map

It flowers around the end of summer – roughly from January to March. Its inflorescence is usually unbranched and bears tiny cream flowers.
Its distribution is relatively central among the Astrolobas, occurring from the Rooinek pass (south of Laingsburg) in the North; to near Ladismith and as far North as near Warmwaterberg. In localities, where it shares the habitat with Astroloba corrugata, natural hybrids of both of the species were reported.

Astroloba spirella, near Anysberg

In cultivation it requires the same well-drained soil as all Astrolobas. Although it can be adjusted to full sun, it prefers some shelter.

Known localities: