Haworthia crystallina Select and click for a larger image. |
Distribution: | Africa: South Africa: Western Cape: |
Haworthia crystallina occurs over a stretch of a number of kilometers in the Oudtshoorn district north of the Outeniqua Mountains from about Saffraansrivier in the west to Kleinfontein in the east and beyond. It likely grades into Haworthia rooibergensis from the Vanwyksdorp area. Haworthia rooibergensis is already suggested as a subspecies of Haworthia crystallina by Ingo Breuer. What is very clear however is that this complex of both species is a rather stable element stretching for at least some 70 km from west to east and distinguishing itself clearly from 'just a form of Haworthia sakai or Haworthia mucronata'. Although probably related to the latter Haworthia crystallina is different by having toothed leaf margins, a sparkling leaf appeareance and a vague keel at the bottom of the leaf. Plants at Kleinfontein are notably 'crystalline' and can easily be distinguished from Haworthia sakai. Plants at Saffraansrivier sometimes tend to link towards Haworthia sakai. The name Haworthia crystallina should not be confused with Haworthia pygmaea ' crystallina' from the Mossel Bay area. All the following pictures were taken late afternoon or in rainy conditions hence a somewhat greyish hue. |
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