haworthia-bobii

Haworthia bobii - Dr. M Hayashi,

Mini article by Gerhard Marx.

This species must be one of the most interesting and exciting finds during the past decade. It was discovered by Bruce and Daphne Bayer near the coast along the lower Breede River near Infanta.

Bruce Bayer initially referred to it as “ Haworthia mirabilis ‘Shaggy Dog’” but later he called it “ Haworthia mirabilis ‘Pilosa’” and in later articles he has been referring to it as “ Haworthia mirabilis ‘Velcro’”. In his recent formal species list (March 2012 in Alsterworthia International, Vol. 12 ) Haworthia bobii is considered to be synonymous with Haworthia mirabilis var paradoxa.

The general association with Haworthia mirabilis turns out to be quite correct though as it is a summer-flowering phenomenon which is a strong character of the Haworthia mirabilis group. The flowers of Haworthia bobii are almost identical to the Haworthia maraisii group while the rosette and leaf shape remind somewhat of Haworthia badia. The yellow inner perianth lobes and other flower features as well as flowering time are all the same as that of Haworthia maraisii var diversicolor known from the areas south and west of McGregor.

It is further characterised by having numerous ‘hairy’ spinose tubercles on the upper leaf surfaces and can as a result also look rather reminiscent of Haworthia wimii *( =Haworthia emelyae var major Bayer.),

If one takes all its flower and striking morphological features in consideration in conjunction to its geographical situation being well removed from all its closest allies, then the best solution in the current situation is to bestow full species status upon it. That is also what Dr Hayashi has done by naming it Haworthia bobii in honor of Bob Kent, the well-known Haworthia enthusiast from Poway, CA.


Habitat.	Haworthia bobii in habitat.	This photograph was taken by Mr. M.B. Bayer.


	A cultivated plant.