Haworthia


Haworthia starkiana
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Distribution: Africa: South Africa: Western Cape:


Haworthia starkina is only known from a few isolated spots in the Schoemanspoort north of Oudtshoorn. Although regarded as variety or form of Haworthia scabra by some authorities, the plants are notably larger, and totally smooth as compared to Haworthia scabra.

At the location where they grow they can form large clumps and unlike Haworthia scabra often look very happy fully exposed to the sun ! As far as I know they only occur on the northern slopes.

Although Haworthia scabra occurs in many places in the vicinity and in between forms (Haworthia scabra-var-morrisiae) exist elsewhere, the populations of Haworthia starkiana are fairly uniform without an obvious influence of Haworthia scabra.

Although populations of Haworthia maxima and Haworthia marginata, both species with a more westerly distribution are usually much further apart, I to some degree see the relationship of the latter two species in context with Haworthia starkiana and Haworthia scabra. Both Haworthia maxima and Haworthia marginata are usually regarded as separate species although intermediate forms exist and similarly I regard Haworthia starkiana and Haworthia scabra also as separate species.

The yellowish green Haworthia starkiana is indeed an attractive plant and quite unique and its closest relative is Haworthia lateganiae which occurs quite a number of kilometers to the east. One would expect that more similar plants should occur in the area and that the "starkiana like complex" is probably well established.

The Schoemanspoort is usually somewhat inhospitable for exploration hence new similar discoveries remain elusive.. for now.

Haworthia starkiana is a relatively easy plant in cultivation. The plants like a bit of sideways root- space and a well drained soil.


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General habitat. A clump in habitat
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A young plant.



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