All you wanted to know about Haworthias, Gasterias and Astrolobas: Search results for Astroloba spiralis

Astroloba spiralis, Welgerust

Astroloba spiralis (L.) Uitewaal
by Jakub Jilemicky and Steven Molteno

spiralis: spiralled.

This was one of the first Astrolobas to be formally discovered. It is mainly defined by its inflated, rugose (wrinkled) flowers, and it is difficult to distinguish from its close relatives Astroloba herrei and spirella when not in flower. Like these species, it has glabrous, sharp-pointed, matt-surfaced leaves. In spiralis, the leaves tend to have a slightly straighter, longer shape. Genetic testing and chromosome counts have revealed that this is the only Astroloba species which has a complete extra double-set of chromosomes (tetraploid), ie. double the chromosome count of any other Astroloba.

Astroloba spiralis, Calitzdorp

The flowers appear around the end of summer (mainly December to March), and are the truly distinguishing feature of this species. Each flower has an inflated, puffed-up perianth, which is transversely rugose (wrinkled, a bit like popcorn). Whether its unique flowers are a result of the plant’s tetraploidy is unknown.

Distribution map

Astroloba spiralis is an inhabitant of the Little Karoo, being restricted by the Swartberg Mountains to the north, and the Langeberg Mountains to the south. This strip of populations extends as far west as the area near Ladismith, and eastwards past Outdshoorn. South of Calitzdorp, the plants have compact short leaves, often in regular tiers, making them very aesthetic.

As with all Astrolobas, some protection from extreme heat and sun will allow the plant to preserve its colour and all of its leaves. Sparing water throughout the year, and extremely well-drained soil are also advised. It can be propagated by seed, by subdivision of clumps, and by cuttings (which should be allowed to dry in a cool, shady spot for at least a week or two before planting).

Astroloba spiralis, Welgerust

Known localities:

S of Oudtshoorn (3322B)
Arbeidskroon, SW of Calitzdorp (3321D)
Bakenskraal farm, S. Oudtshoorn (3322CA)
Welgerust, S. Calitzdorp 3321DA)
Buffelsvlei (3321AC)
Calitzdorp (3321DA)
Heimersrivier
Perdeberg (3322BA)
Tafelkop, NE of Kammanassie Dam (3322CB)
SES. Oudtshoorn (3322BA)
Klokkies, S. Calitzdorp (3321DA)
N. Kammanassie Dam (3322CB)
S. Platsbekboomkop (3321DA)
Welkom, S. Calitzdorp (3321DA)

Astroloba spiralis, Welgerust

Locality of A. spiralis, Welgerust

Astroloba spiralis, Bakenskraal

Locality of A. spiralis, Bakenskraal

Astroloba spiralis, Welkom, S. Calitzdorp NEW PHOTO

Astroloba spiralis, Klokkies, S. Calitzdorp NEW PHOTO

Astroloba spiralis, S. Platspekboomkop NEW PHOTO

Astroloba spiralis, N. Kammanassie Dam NEW PHOTO

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: