Astroloba


Astroloba herrei
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Distribution: Africa: South Africa: Western Cape: Eastern Cape:


Astroloba herrei occurs around Prince Albert with disjunct populations in the Uniondale district. Both populations are in the southern Great Karoo and not 'on the border between the Western and Northern Cape' as stated in Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astroloba_herrei).

At first glance the plants appear rather similar to Astroloba spiralis but, as put in Wikipedia, 'is genetically distinct. Compared to spiralis, Astroloba herrei also has a smooth perianth and fine dark longitudinal lines below the surface of the leaves. Leaves are finely striate and feature narrowly acuminate leaf tips that spread outwards more strongly than in spiralis.' There is considerable variation in the outward spreading of leaves in both species however.

While Astroloba spiralis is found south of the Swartberg in the Little Karoo, Astroloba herrei occurs north of the Swartberg.

The following pictures are from west of Prince Albert where the plants occur quite widespread. The plants are listed as 'vulnerable' in the Red Data list, mainly due to the fact that the plants are quite localized.


Astroloba herrei Astroloba herrei Astroloba herrei
A form with more compact leaves.



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