dnaoodb: professional biology database , biology encyclopedia
in biology, Haworthia Angustifolia (Alias:Witrivier Gorge Haworthia or Witrivier-dwergaalwyntjie Latin:Haworthia angustifolia Haw.) is a species of Haworthia from the eastern Cape Province. The native range of this species is S. Cape Prov. It is a succulent perennial and grows primarily in the subtropical biome. Haworthia angustifolia is an easy-to-grow houseplant featuring adorable, narrow, lanceolate leaves in a dense clump. The lime green leaves are lined with tiny spines.
The specific epithet "angustifolia" means "narrow-leaved" and derives from the Latin words "angustus," meaning "narrow," and "folium," meaning "leaf."
The plants consist of dwarf-sized, rosettes in dense, small, clusters, sometimes forming mats. The plants are prolific from the base, forming roundish clusters up to 60 mm high and 120 mm in diameter and consisting of up to 12 heads. The rosettes are about 55 mm in diameter. The roots are greyish and rounded (terete). The leaves are triangular-lanceolate, up to 20, in a rosette, ascending at first and becoming spreading and recurved. The upper surface is flat to slightly channelled, boat-shaped (cymbiform) below with a smooth surface, becoming purplish during dry periods. The margin is ciliate with an acute or pointed tip (apex) ending with a hair-like projection (aristate). The inflorescence consists of a simple raceme, 130–250 mm long bearing 8–15-flowers in the upper half, the bracts white and clasping, up to 3 mm long, ovate-acuminate. The flower stalk (pedicel) is about 1.5 mm long. The flowers (perianth) are tubular, 2-lipped, curved, ascending-spreading, 15–18 mm long, white with a green midstripe. The ovary is tubular, 2 × 1.5 mm, green; the stigma 1 mm long, widening and truncate at the apex.
Flowering is usually in midsummer (January to February in the southern hemisphere). Seeds are dispersed by wind, in late summer and early autumn.
Light: Although some species can grow in full sun, most Haworthias are adapted to thrive in partial shade. Place the potted H. angustifolia in a bright area with some protection from the hottest rays of the day.
Soil: All Haworthias do not like their roots to remain wet for prolonged periods, so their potting soil should be well-drained. Use a commercial succulent potting mix or make your own.
Hardiness: Haworthias like warmer temperatures in the summer but cool in the winter. However, they do not like being too cold. H. angustifolia can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: In spring and fall, when the growth is most active, water Haworthias thoroughly, then wait until the top of the soil dries out before watering again. Water your plants less during the winter when their growth slows down significantly. During the hottest summer months, when Haworthias are mostly dormant, water just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling.
Fertilizing: Haworthias do not require much fertilizer, but fertilization is a good idea for optimum growth. Feed only with a dilute fertilizer and only during the active growing season.
Repotting: These succulents are generally slow-growing and can stay in the same pot for years. However, for best health, H. angustifolia should be repotted into fresh soil every two to three years.
Catevala angustifolia (Haw.) Kuntze
Haworthia chloracantha subsp. angustifolia (Haw.) Halda
Haworthia chloracantha var. angustifolia (Haw.) Halda