Fig. 1.

JOURNAL CONTENTS

Riversdale - Mecca for magnificent . Kobus Venter ...... 1-12 & 17-25. Volume 4 (2004) index ...... 13-16. Letter to the editor - Bruce Bayer ...... 16. Guide to the of . Revised Edition...... 16. broomii var. tarkaensis? A new locality!!! Daphne & Albert Prichard ...... 26. Three green cultivars. Russell Scott...... 27-28. And to close this issue an important announcement...... 28.

Volume 4. Issue 3. November 2004 ISSN: 1474-4635

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. Fig. 2. Map of the area covered by this article. covered by this article. Fig. 2. Map of the area

2 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3.

Kobus Venter P.O. Box 137, Sanlamhof 7532, South Africa. [email protected]

Introduction The Riversdale district lies at the heart of the Southern Bruce Bayer was instrumental to my growing interest in Cape coastal plain of South Africa. It is located about 300 this area and my knowledge of haworthias in general. He km east of Cape Town and to the south of the Langeberg and his wife Daphne accompanied me on several trips to Mountains, which provide the natural boundary separating the area and they did several further trips themselves the coastal area from the Little Karroo. The Little Karroo which benefited this study tremendously. Bruce made is a semi-desert area with tremendous succulent several valuable comments and suggestions for variety. improvement to the draft of this document, for which I am very grateful. Figures 86 to 90 and figure 98 in Part 2 of The N2 motorway (the well-known Garden Route) passes this articles are scans from pictures taken by Bruce. through Riversdale, connecting it to the towns of Heidelberg to the west and Albertinia to the east. The The idea to publish this summary of the original beautiful beach resort of Still Bay lies about 40 kilometres presentation at the 2003 Succulenta congress came from south of Riversdale at the mouth of the Goukou River, as Harry Mays. He drafted a framework for the text and can be seen from fig. 2. The Goukou flows southward to copied all the pictures from the presentation CD. the east of Riversdale, with the Vet joining it from the west, immediately north of the town. Geology Fig. 3 page 4 gives a simplified perspective on the The Coastal Plain is under the influence of cyclonic geology of the area, based on the 1:250 000 scale sheet weather and although regarded as a winter rainfall area 3420 Riversdale (Malan et al. 1990). The terminology is there are rainfall peaks in autumn and spring. The average explained in Appendix 1 page 25. The area has a long and rainfall is about 700 mm per annum, with the highest complex geological history that varies from the precipitation just south of the Langeberg Mountains, Ordovician period (495 Ma ago) to the Quaternary period dropping dramatically as one enters the Little Karroo to (recent ages) during which sediments (sand, mud and silt) the north. The vegetation of the coastal plain is influenced was deposited by water and wind and later cemented to by both the rainfall patterns and the broken geology of the form the current rocks. Movements in the earths area and varies from forests and ‘fynbos’ to Karroid crust folded and fractured these rocks during the process scrubland with a high percentage of succulents. which led to the formation of the Cape Mountains. Large Haworthias are common in the dryer habitats, yet very fissures (rifts) were formed in the crust during the break inconspicuous. up of the ancient continent (namely Gondwanaland) in the Jurassic period (144 Ma to 203 Ma ago). These rifts This article aims to give the reader a perspective of the were filled by conglomerate of the Enon and Kirkwood variability of in a virtual tour of the area Formations. Various periods of erosion followed due to immediately surrounding the town of Riversdale. We will relative vertical continent movements. This history, in also look into the association of plant variation to factors conjunction with the differential erosion of the various like geology, habitat differences and the genetic rock types of varying compositions resulted in the interaction of isolated Haworthia populations. A follow-up formation of a wide variety of habitats, of which some are article that will be published in the Aloe magazine, will suitable for specific and varieties of Haworthia. deal with the taxonomic conclusions that may be drawn The different rock formations in the area are generally from this study. orientated in east-west bands. When one moves from the south towards the north the following geological Acknowledgements formations may be encountered: Firstly the calcarenite of Pieter Bosch developed the geological legend, page 5, and the Wankoe Formation, which is for large portions the table, page 25, that explain the geological terms used. covered by Quaternary period (1.8 Ma to present age), He also gave valuable inputs into the paragraph on the sandy soil, calcrete and ferricrete (See figure 3 and geology of the area and in general discussion on the legend). Shale and siltstone of the Ceres Subgroup are relationship between the plant life forms and the geology present at the western extremity of the Wankoe of the rock and soil in which they grow. (Continued on page 5)

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 3

s Fig 3. Map of the main geological feature

4 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. (Continued from page 3) -topped hills, with rocks or gravel covered sides, which Formation. Further northwards is a broad band of provide ideal habitats for haworthias, especially H. undifferentiated Bokkeveld Group and Bidow Formation magnifica and its variants, as you will see from the sediments that consist of shale, siltstone and subordinate pictures presented. layers of sandstone. An east-west oriented area immediately south of Riversdale is underlain by siltstone The landscape is characterized by a slow rise from the and sandy shale of the Wagen Drift Formation. The area coast northwards through rolling hills. In the north is a south of the mountains but north of Riversdale is dramatic increase in topography at the foothills of the predominantly underlain by mudstone, sandstone and Langeberg Mountains with the high, majestic Langeberg conglomerate of the Kirkwood Formation. The mountains Mountains beyond them. in the north predominantly comprise quartzite and shale of the Table Mountain and Bokkeveld Groups. Erosion of the Reference: Malan J.A., Hill, R.S., Viljoen, J.H.A. (1990) relative younger calcarenite off the Wankoe Formation 1:250 000 scale Geological Series, 3420 Riversdale, and calcrete along the Goukou River exposed sheared Council for Geoscience (Geological Survey). Bokkeveld Group shale along a north-south corridor that runs towards the coast. The beauty of the area, both natural and manmade, can be appreciated from figure 1, front cover, but to see Of particular interest, are the silcrete/ferricrete "islands" haworthias in habitat, you will need to search and look encountered above the conglomerate, mudstone and very carefully. They are often very cryptic and well sandstone of the Kirkwood Formation and on the shale of camouflaged in their localised natural habitats. One can the Bokkeveld Group. These islands are the remnants of easily pass within a metre of them without noticing them. soil horizons formed during previous climates in the Also, for some inexplicable reason, many apparently Tertiary (Grahamstad Formation) and/or Quaternary suitable habitats do not have any haworthias. All of these periods (65 Ma ago to present times). They often form flat (Continued on page 6)

Geological legend for the area around Riversdale

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 5 (Continued from page 5) extensively explored the area and made well recorded contribute to the laborious and often slow process of collections which contributed tremendously to our present searching through the potential habitats to discover the knowledge. little marvels. For some of the populations illustrated here I have literally walked the hills for years before my eyes M. B. Bayer was active over most of the Southern and sharpened to seeing them. Western Cape areas during the latter half of the 20th century from his base as curator of the Karroo Botanical Taxonomic context to the haworthias of the area. Gardens at Worcester. His surveys and meticulous Two subgenera of Haworthia occur in the Riversdale area: collection led to the revisions of Haworthia as published i) Of the subgenus Robustipedunculares, two species in his two Handbooks and the subsequent book Haworthia occur. H. minima is very common while H. marginata is Revisited. During the last couple of years Bruce did presently known only from a small number of niche detailed collecting in certain areas of interest, including habitats. Riversdale. ii) Several species of the subgenus Haworthia also grow in the area, sometimes co-occurring or intergrading as we E. Esterhuizen grew up at Heidelberg and returned there will see evidenced in this presentation. The approximate as often as he could during the past two decades. He distribution ranges have been indicated on figures 4 and 5, explored several of the areas around Heidelberg and with pictures of the typical forms shown in figures 6 Riversdale in a very detailed way. I benefited from several through 11, pages 8 - 10. joint excursions.

History of Haworthia collection and study in the area. The virtual tour J. Dekenah was a photographer and naturalist at Fig. 12, page 11, shows the areas that we will focus on Riversdale during the first half of the 20th century around the town of Riversdale. We start just south of the (Alsterworthia International 3(2)19, July 2003). He town at the type locality of H. magnifica, moving from

Fig. 4. Distribution areas for H. magnifica v. magnifica, H. magnifica v. splendens, H. magnifica v. atrofusca, H. retusa.

6 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. there to an area just east of the town, before visiting would otherwise be an ecological desert of crop lands and several sites to the west and finally to the north of pasture. Dotted around the hill are at least four Riversdale. populations of H. magnifica, showing significant variation in the size of the rosettes. The pictures (figures 14 to 17, The sites are mostly in the conglomerate rock band where page 17) were drawn from the population with the largest some silcrete/ferricrete is often present. The south and (up to 5 cm diameter), with many of the larger eastern localities are lying on the border between specimens occurring well shaded from tufts of grass. One conglomerates and shale. of the other populations I observed grows more exposed in a rocky area with the average rosette diameter a mere 1.5 cm. At each of the sites we will examine the variability within and between populations, as well as the interaction From the pictures you can clearly see variation in the between the species present. We will also look at the surface rugosity and marginal denticulation of the leaves. habitats in order to understand the context for the Characteristic though of the whole H. magnifica complex haworthias present. The focus is however on the forms of is the shiny tubercles on the upper leaf surface and the H. magnifica that occur in the respective areas and the dark green to brown colours of the leaves. The typical association of these with other species of the genus. variety has sharp pointed leaves, often with a longish apical spine. The first stop: H. magnifica type locality From figure 13, page 12, you can see the typical ferricrete In close proximity to this locality are several shale sites gravel covering the hillside which has a silcrete cap on the where H. retusa occurs. These populations are often dense top. Fortunately, this locality lies within a municipal and the plants grow much more exposed than those of H. reserve and has a history of preservation. These small magnifica. The plants are much larger in size, often rocky hills are a feature of the landscape and, because of reaching 10 cm in diameter. Figures 19 to 21, page 18-19 the rock and poor soil, they remain fairly intact in what (Continued on page 12)

Fig. 5. Distribution areas for Haworthia heidelbergensis, , Haworthia variegata.

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 7 F i g . 6 . v . magnifica Fig. 7. Haworthia magnifica v. splendens

8 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. Fig. 8. Haworthia magnifica v . atrofusca. Fig. 9. Haworthia variegata.

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 9

Fig. 10 above.

Haworthia turgida.

Fig. 11 left.

Haworthia heidelbergensis.

Fig. 12 right.

Map showing the areas to be focused upon during the tour detailed in this article.

Haworthia turgida and Haworthia variegata illustrated in figures 9 & 10 are not dealt with further in this paper. The relationship of these two to the species dealt with would be a major exercise and probably a topic for a further presentation.

10 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. Type locality of Haworthia mag- Confluence of Haworthia re-

Haworthia heidelbergensis. Haworthia magnifica tangles with Haworthia heidelbergensis.

Haworthia magnifica v. atrofusca and Haworthia floribunda.

Haworthia heidelbergensis. Haworthia

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 11 (Continued from page 7) however later rediscovered on the southern end of our hill show some of the forms on the outskirts of the town, (figures 22 & 23, page 20). The leaves are relatively long while figure 18 shows the habitat at this site. and upright. Some of the rosettes have a diameter of 15 Though the flowering times are well separated (September cm while many clumps exceed 30 cm in diameter. Figs for H. retusa and January for H. magnifica) this is not an 24, 26, 27 page 21. H. minima grow socially with H. absolute, as evidenced in the occasional abnormal plants retusa at this site (figure 25, page 21.) in H. retusa populations that could be the result of pollination from nearby H. magnifica populations, where Only about 100 meters north of the ‘foucheii’ form grows odd plants flower out of season (see figures 19 & 20) another bizarre form of H. retusa that was originally described as H. geraldii by Scott (see figures 28-31, pages An amazing confluence of forms 21, 22). In this form the rosettes are more typical of the The two species H. magnifica and H. retusa stayed fairly species (compare to figures 19 - 21 pages 18 & 19), but separate (or well-differentiated, depending on your point they form enormous clumps of up to a metre or more in of departure) to the south of the town, but a few diameter. This population is so vigorous that, while kilometres away to the east of the town they just go originally constricted to the upper north and western haywire. The arena is a low range of hills wedged into the aspects of the hill, it has during the 20 years of my confluence of the Goukou and Vet Rivers (see figures 22 personal observation now extended its distribution to huge and 23 page 20). The habitat is shale, with conglomerate clumps on the southern aspect. patches. Most of the Haworthia populations are in these conglomerates. Towards the northern end of this area, one encounters a well camouflaged population of plants related to H. The farm Grootvlei is situated south of these hills (figure magnifica. You will see from the pictures (figures 32 23). This was the locality for H. foucheii, which was later through 35, page 23) that the plants are greyish green with sunk under H. retusa by M B Bayer. It no longer exists several lines running on the top surface of the leaves due to farming activity. This very proliferous form was (Continued on page 19)

Fig. 13. Type locality of Haworthia magnifica v. magnifica.

12 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. Index - Alsterworthia International Volume 4, 2004 Index of plant names jucunda ...... 4(2)21 italics = scientific names; normal type = common and cultivar; bold kniphofioides ...... 4(2)15 type page nos. = colour photograph komatiensis ...... 4(1)17 krapohliana var. dumoulinii ...... 4(2)21,22 Taxon ...... Volume(issue)page kraussii ...... 4(2)14 lateritia ...... 4(1)17 Acacia linearifolia ...... 4(2)15 Ankle Thorn ...... 4(2)8 littoralis ...... 4(1)18,19,21 Black Monkey Thorn ...... 4(2)8 maculata ...... 4(2)10,15 burkei ...... 4(2)8 marlothii ...... 4(1)21. 4(2)5,7,9,13,14 Knob Thorn ...... 4(2)8 spp. marlothii ...... 4(2)10,15 gerrardii ...... 4(2)8 spp. orientalis ...... 4(2)10,15 nigrescens ...... 4(2)8,10 marlothii (spectabilis morphotype)...... 4(2)7 Red Thorn Acacia ...... 4(2)8 marlothii ♀ x Aloe vogtsii ♂ ...... 4(2)27 robusta ...... 4(2)8 marshalii ...... 4(2)15 micracantha ...... 4(2)15 Afzelia minima ...... 4(2)15 Pod Mahogany ...... 4(2)8 modesta ...... 4(2)15 quanzensis ...... 4(2)8 mudenensis ...... 4(2)15 myriacantha ...... 4(2)15 mzimbana ...... 4(1)17 Albizia nominally ...... 4(2)14 adianthifolia ...... 4(2)8 parvibracteata...... 4(1)17,(2)10,12,13,15 Flat-crown ...... 4(2)8 parviflora ...... 4(2)15 Pictae ...... 4(2)10 Aloaceae ...... 4(1)17. 4(2)5 pienaardii ...... 4(1)17 pienaarii ...... 4(1)17 Aloe ...... 4(1)17. 4(2)5 pluridens ...... 4(2)15 africana ...... 4(2)15 polyphylla ...... 4(1)3 arborescens ...... 4(2)14,15 pratensis ...... 4(2)15 Arborescentes ...... 4(2)16 prinslooi ...... 4(2)15 aristata ...... 4(1)3,4,14 pruinosa ...... 4(2)15 var. aristata ...... 4(1)3 reitzii var. vernalis ...... 4(2)15 var. leiophylla ...... 4(1)3 Rhodacanthae ...... 4(2)15 var. parvifolia ...... 4(1)3 ‘Rooikappie’ ...... 4(2)21,22 variegated ...... 4(1)4,5 rupestris ...... 4(2)9, 10,11,15 bainesii ...... 4(2)14 saponaria ...... 4(2)10,15 bakeri ...... 4(2)21 saundersiae ...... 4(2)15 barberiae ...... 4(2)14 schomeri ...... 4(2)21 boylei ...... 4(2)14 sessiliflora ...... 4(2)15 brevifolia ...... 4(2)21 sinkatana ...... 4(2)21 broomii ...... 4(3)26 sinkatana x Aloe ferox ...... 4(1)1,16 var. tarkaensis ...... 4(3)26 somaliensis var. marmorata ...... 4(2)23 cameronii spectabilis ...... 4(2)10,13,14,15 var. cameronii ...... 4(1)17 spicata ...... 4(2)9,10,15 var. bondana ...... 4(1)17 suffulta ...... 4(2)15 var dedzana ...... 4(1)17 suprafoliata ...... 4(2)15 candelabrum ...... 4(2)14 tenuior ...... 4(2)15 carnea ...... 4(1)17 thraskii ...... 4(2)16 chabaudii ...... 4(2)11,10,14,15 umfoloziensis ...... 4(2)5,12,10,13,16 ‘Charles’ ...... 4(2)27 vanbalenii ...... 4(2)16 cooperi vaotsanda ...... 4(2)21 subsp. cooperi ...... 4(2)14 vaombe ...... 4(2)21 subsp. pulchra ...... 4(2)14 variegata ...... 4(2)21 cryptopoda ...... 4(1)17 vogtsii ...... 4(2) 23,24 delphinensis ...... 4(2)20,21 vryheidensis ...... 4(2)16 deltoideodonta ...... 4(2)23 ‘Wunderkind’ ...... 4(2)23,24 dewetii ...... 4(2)10,14 zebrina ...... 4(1)18 dolomitica ...... 4(2)16 ‘Doran Black’ ...... 4(2)4 ...... 4(1)17. 4(2)5 ‘Dorian Black’ ...... 4(2)4 ecklonis ...... 4(2)14 Astroloba delatoidea ...... 4(3)27 esculenta ...... 4(1)18,19,21 Taxon ...... Volume(issue)page esculenta x Aloe littoralis ...... 4(1)19 Aristida ...... 4(2)8 ferox ...... 4(2)14 gerstneri ...... 4(2)14,15 Bulbine ...... 4(1)17 greatheadii ...... 4(1)17 abyssinica ...... 4(1)17 var. davyana ...... 4(2)10,14 alooides ...... 4(1)17 Taxon ...... Volume(issue)page asphodeloides ...... 4(1)17 latifolia ...... 4(1)17 greenii ...... 4(2)10,15 natalensis ...... 4(1)17 hlangapies ...... 4(2)14 hemmingii ...... 4(2)20,21,22 Crassulaceae ...... 4(2)8 inconspicua ...... 4(2)15

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 13 Chortolirion angolense ...... 4(1)17 cymbiformis (Haw.)Duval ‘Lo Bing’ ...... 4(1)2 cymbiformis ‘Yu-hung Luk’ ‘Yu-Hung Luk’ ...... 4(1)2 Cleistanthus schlechteri ...... 4(2)8 cymbiformis var. obtusa ‘Chik-chun Mak’ ‘Chik-Chun Mak’ ...... 4(1)2 decipiens v. virella ...... 4(1) 23. 4(2)16 Combretum devriesii ...... 4(1)23 apiculatum ...... 4(2)8 elizeae ...... 4(1)23 mkuzense ...... 4(2)8 emelyae ...... 4(2)19 molle...... 4(2)8 var. major ...... 4(1)23 Red Bushwillow ...... 4(2)8 esterhuizenii ...... 4(1)23. 4(2)19,21 Velvet Bushwillow ...... 4(2)8 enigma ...... 4(1)23 floribunda ...... 4(3)11 Croton pseudopulchellus ...... 4(2)8 foucheii ...... 4(3)12,19,21 geraldii ...... 4(3)19,21,22 Dialium gracilis v. minor ...... 4(1)23 schlechteri ...... 4(2)8 heidelbergensis...... 4(3)10,11 Zulu Podberry ...... 4(2)8 hayashii ...... 4(1)23 jansenvillensis ...... 4(2)16,17 Dichrostachys kemari ...... 4(1)23,16 cinerea ...... 4(2)8 leightonii var. davidii ...... 4(1)23 Sickle Bush ...... 4(2)8 limifolia ‘Stripy’ ...... 4(1)2 limifolia ‘Stripes’ ...... 4(1)2 Digitaria ...... 4(2)8 magnifica ...... 4(3)5,7,11,12,17,19,23,24,25 var. atrofusca ...... 4(3)9,11 Drypetes arguta ...... 4(2)8 var. magnifica ...... 4(3)8 var. major ...... 4(2)19 Echinopsis ...... 4(2)25 var. splendens ...... 4(2)18,19. 4(3)8 magnifica and H. retusa intermediates ...... 4(3)23-24 Euclea margaritifera ...... 4(2)19 divinorum ...... 4(2)8 marginata ...... 4(3)6 Magic Guarri ...... 4(2)8 maughanii ...... 4(1)9. 4(1)23 racemosa ...... 4(2)10 maughanii hybrid ...... 4(2)26 maxima ...... 4(1)16. 4(2)18,19 Euphorbiaceae ...... 4(2)8 minima ...... 4(3)6,19,21 ‘Mori-no-Sono’ ...... 4(1)2 Euphorbia ...... 4(2)5 mucronata var. calitzdorpensis ...... 4(1)23 clavarioides ...... 4(3)26 odetteae ...... 4(1)23 grandicornis ...... 4(2)10 picta var. janvlokii ...... 4(1)23 ingens ...... 4(2)8,10 picta var. tricolour ...... 4(1)23 schinzii ...... 4(1)21 pygmaea...... 4(2)19 tetragona ...... 4(2)8 f. crystallina ...... 4(1)23 tirucalli ...... 4(2)8,10 pygmaea hybrid (Variegated) ...... 4(1)8, 9 triangularis ...... 4(2)8 pumila (maxima) ...... 4(1)16. 4(2)19 reticulata var. hurlingii ...... 4(2)18,19 retusa ...... 4(3)11,12,18,19,21,22,23,24,25 armstrongii ...... 4(3)27 Robustipedunculares ...... 4(3)6 batesiana ...... 4(3)27 “Ryujo Nishiki” ...... 4(1)10 brachyphylla...... 4(2)3,21 schoemanii ...... 4(1)23 bicolour ...... 4(3)27 scottii ...... 4(1)23 carinata var. retusa...... 4(1)15,16 ‘Silver Bug’ ...... 4(1)24,23 disticha (ISI 1337)...... 4(1)16 splendens ...... 4(2)19,21 'Green Spiral' (Gasteria?) ...... 4(3)27 tortuosa variegated ...... 4(1)10 'Little Warty' ...... 4(3)27 tradouwensis ...... 4(1)23 nigricans ...... 4(2)3 Taxon ...... Volume(issue)page nitida v. nitida ...... 4(3)27 translucens (gracilis) ssp. tenera ‘Anemone’ ...... 4(1)6,7 'Old Man Silver' ...... 4(3)27 tretyrensis ...... 4(1)23. 4(2)16 truncata ...... 4(1)6,7,8,23. 4(2)18,19 ×Gasteraloe ‘Goliath’ ...... 4(2)20.21 var. maughanii (variegated) ...... 4(1)8, 9 var. minor ...... 4(1)23 Taxon...... Volume(issue)page variegated ...... 4(1)8,9 xGastroloba truncata x maughanii ...... 4(1)23. 4(2)26 'Delbat' ...... 4(3)28,28 turgida ...... 4(3)10 'Grugwyn' ...... 4(3)28,28 variegata ...... 4(3)9,10 virella ...... 4(2)16 Haworthia ...... 4(1)17. 4(3)6 viscosa var. variabilis ...... 4(1)23 agnis ...... 4(1)23 viscosa (variegated) ...... 4(1)10 albertinensis n.n ...... 4(2)19 ‘White Star’ ...... 4(1)10 albispina ...... 4(1)23 azurea ...... 4(1)23,16 Hemerocalidaceae ...... 4(1)17 attenuata (Variegated) ...... 4(1)8, 9 attenuata v. radula (variegated) ...... 4(1)10, 9 Hibiscus calyphyllus ...... 4(2)10 bayeri (variegated) ...... 4(1)8, 9 breueri ...... 4(1)23 Huernia zebrina ...... 4(2)10 ‘Bristle Tip’ ...... 4(1)22,23 “Cat’s Tongue Haworthia”...... 4(2)1,26 Hymenocardia ulmoides ...... 4(2)8 cooperi var. doldii ...... 4(1)23 correcta v. lucida ...... 4(1)23 Hyperacanthus microphyllus ...... 4(2)8

14 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. Habitat of ...... 4(3)18 Hyperanthus Habitat of the second tour stop east of Riversdale ...... 4(3)20 amoensis ...... 4(2)8 Riversdale ...... 4(3)1 Spiny Gardenia ...... 4(2)8 Springbok ram ...... 4(1)21 Confluence of the Goukou and Vet Rivers ...... 4(3)20 Hyphaene Type locality of Haworthia magnifica v. magnifica...... 4(3)12 coriacea ...... 4(2)8 Lala Palm ...... 4(2)8 Maps & tables. Botswana ...... 4(1)20 Hypoxidacea ...... 4(1)17 Distribution areas for H. magnifica v. magnifica, H. magnifica ... v. splendens, H. magnifica v. atrofusca, H. retusa ...... 4(3)6 Jodrellia ...... 4(1)17 Distribution areas for Haworthia heidelbergensis, Haworthia turgida, Haworthia variegata ...... 4(3)7 Kalanchoe ...... 4(2)5,8 Explanation of some geological terms used in the text and legend (Riversdale) ...... 4(3)25 Kniphophia ...... 4(1)17 Geological legend for the area around Riversdale ...... 4(3)5 Locations of populations - Riversdale article ...... 4(3)11 Lithops ...... 4(2)25 Map of the area covered by this article (Riversdale) ...... 4(3)2 Map of the main geological features (Riversdale) ...... 4(3)4 Lobivia ...... 4(2)25 Northern KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) ...... 4(2)5

Newtonia Index of subjects hildebrandtii ...... 4(2)8 Lebombo Wattle ...... 4(2)8 Classification of plants A new Haworthia from the Jansenville area. Olea Ingo Breuer ...... 4(2)16-17 africana ...... 4(2)8 Hybrid and Cultivar Special Issue ...... 4(1)13 Wild live ...... 4(2)8 Letter to the editor ...... 4(3)16 New species/combinations in Haworthia ...... 4(1)23 Pachypodium cactipes ...... 4(2)21 Philosophical views about the intergradation of species. Norbert Göbl ...... 4(2)25,27 Perotis ...... 4(2)8 Publication of Two New Haworthia Cultivars Francois Hoes ...... 4(1)23-24 Pilobolus ...... 4(2)21 What’s in a name – the case of Aloe ‘Doran Black’ Harry Mays & John N. Trager ...... 4(2)4 Poellnitzia ...... 4(3)27 Cultivation and propagation Pogonrhria ...... 4(2)8 Revisiting exploiting the potential of roots. H. Mays...... 4(1)6-7 Seed list ...... 4(1)11 - 13 Pseudolobiviea ...... 4(2)25 Habitat Psydrax obovata ...... 4(2)8 Aloe broomii var. tarkaensis? A new locality!!! Daphne & Albert Prichard ...... 4(3)26 Sansevieria ...... 4(2)5 Field observations on the genus Aloe (Alooideae, Asphodelaceae) in guineensis ...... 4(2)10 Northern KwaZulu-Natal (S. A.) Bulot, L ...... 4(2)5-16 hyacinthoides...... 4(2)10 Riversdale – Mecca for magnificent Taxon ...... Volume(issue)page haworthias. Kobus Venter ...... 4(3)1-12 & 17-25. Senecio barbertonicus ...... 4(2)10 The Aloe littoralis complex in Botswana. B. J. Hargreaves ...... 4(1)18 – 21 Spirostachys africana ...... 4(2)8 Unclassified articles Strychnos And to close this issue an important announcement...... 4(3)28 Black Monkey Orange ...... 4(2)8 Corrections to Photo Album of Succulents in Color – Green Monkey Orange ...... 4(2)8 Vol.3(2003). Harry C.K. Mak ...... 4(1)2 madagascariensis ...... 4(2)8 Volume 4 (2004) index ...... 4(3)13-16 spinosa ...... 4(2)8 Plants Tarchonanthus Aloe sinkatana x Aloe ferox. Andy de Wet ...... 4(1)1,16 camphoratus ...... 4(2)8 An Aloe Garden. Andy de Wet ...... 4(2)27-28 Camphor Bush ...... 4(2)8 Comments on some Haworthia Hybrids B. Chudleigh ...... 4(2)26-27 Forms of Aloe aristata. Harry Mak ...... 4(1)3-5 Tecophiliaceae ...... 4(1)17 var. retusa. Russell Scott ...... 4(1)15-16 Gasteria study notes - (Salm Dyck) Terminalia E.J. van Jaarsveld. Breck Breckenridge...... 4(2)3 sericea ...... 4(2)8 International Succulent Introductions for 2004 Silver Cluster-leaf ...... 4(2)8 Harry Mays ...... 4(2)18-24 Three green cultivars. Russell Scott ...... 4(3)27-28 Themeda ...... 4(2)8 Variegated Haworthias. Harry Mak ...... 4(1)8-10

Trachyandra ...... 4(1)17 Reviews and introductions. A review of Flora Zambesiaca vol. 12 part 3, Urochloa ...... 4(2)8 Julian M. H. Shaw...... 4(1)17 CD-ROM 2004 11000+ colour pictures...... 4(1)14 Index of other illustrations. CD-ROM: Pictures of African Succulents ...... 4(2)2-3 An Aloe Garden ...... 4(2)28 Guide to the Aloes of South Africa. CD-ROM: Pictures of African Succulents...... 4(2)3 Revised edition ...... 4(2)27. 4(3)16

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 15 HAWORTHIA STUDY Journal of the Haworthia Society of Japan...... 4(1)21 Le Piante Succulente dell'Africa Orientale The Succulent Plants of East Africa ...... 4(2)23 PLANT SYSTEMATICS: A half-century of progress (1950-2000) and future challenges ...... 4(1)5

Letter to the editor. NOW IN STOCK.

You published a paper from Taxon by Treutlein et al. together with my comments*. The same authors have published a Guide to the Aloes of South Africa. second paper in which they say "In a recent study...we found evidence Revised Edition. for the genus Haworthia not being monophyletic. This rather interesting result prompted a more detailed study to obtain additional evidence, the results of which are presented here". Ben-Erik van Wyk  Gideon Smith

In this second paper Uitewaal's observations that Haworthia 304 pages. 240 mm x 167 mm. Hard cover. is comprised of three distinct groups is again misunderstood and 400+ colour photographs. Distribution maps. Identification key. misrepresented. In their first paper, Treutlein et al stated that Uitewaal Price £25.00 including p & p.+ had "divided Haworthia into two main units (Triangulares and Hexangulares), the former including the subgenus Haworthia and The first edition was an outstanding success. It has been out of subgenus Robustipedunculares". This is of course incorrect as Uitewaal print for some time. in fact recognised sg Haworthia and sg Hexangulares as comprising Robustipedunculatae and Gracilipedunculatae. I simply recognised the The revised edition differs from the original as follows: latter as equal in status to sg Haworthia. The misunderstanding is carried into the second paper and three odd statements are made:- All name changes and changes in the classification of South 1. "An exception in the current classification was found with the sister African aloes have been updated. species H. geraldii and H. gracilis var. tenera: genetically they belong to group ll, whereas morphologically they show affinities to the New and additional information, such as new records of subgenus Haworthia (represented by group 1)." localities, have been added to the maps. 2. "H. geraldii and H. gracilis var. tenera are sister species according to rbcL (fig.1A) and matK (fig.1B). Contrary to their previous morphological classification (Bayer, 1999), they are clearly grouped in Additional section on gardening and landscaping with aloes. Haworthia subgenus Hexangulares by both molecular markers." 3. ". the of the genus Haworthia must be revisited. More Measurement of plants and the altitudes where they grow in species of both groups need to be examined to determine their phyloge- nature are now given both in metric and imperial units. netic relationships before taxonomic consequences should be drawn. It is quite evident to anyone who is remotely familiar with Complete citations of botanical names and main synonyms Haworthia, that the above observations are far from true. (alternative names) are now given at the bottom of the page of I would like to repeat my comment that the Treutlein research each entry, together with the correct author citations. did not include any member of the Robustipedunculares, and includes only one species of Astroloba. It is disconcerting indeed that two reputable and peer- Cross-references to other works on Aloe have been added for reviewed botanical journals cannot find reviewers competent to expose ease of reference. These include the classic text by G. W. inaccuracies and omissions of this order in a paper authored by Reynolds and the latest revision of the South African aloes four qualified scientists working at the coal-face of technology. in the Flora of Southern Africa*.

Yours sincerely, Bruce Bayer A magnificent publication for the identification of South African Aloes. *Alsterworthia International Special Issue No. 4. 44 A4 pages. 8 colour photos. Member’s price £5.50. Copies may be ordered with your membership renewal for 2005. Contents: 1. Alooideae-Asphodelaceae and the genera thereof. Bruce Bayer. ------2. Molecular Phylogenetics. Treutlein et al. 3. What should we learn from history. Bruce Bayer *Available from Alsterworthia International. Price £18. 4. Haworthia limifolia v. arcane Smith & Crouch. Bruce Bayer. +* Please see the membership renewal form for 2005

The enclosed renewal form may be used to order this item. enclosed with this issue.

16 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3.

Figures 14 - 17. (top to bottom, left to right)

Forms of Haworthia magnifica at the type locality, illustrating the variation of leaf form and leaf surface rugosity.

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 17 Fig. 18. Habitat of Haworthia retusa. Fig. 19 One form of Haworthia retusa south of Riversdale, close to the type locality of H. magnifica..

18 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. (Continued from page 12) towards the end bristle. The plants are much lighter coloured than at the type locality, but have the typical translucent shiny tubercles on the leaf surface, sometimes even ending in a bristle. Again, H. minima is present. A very small patch of the magnifica form was shown to Bruce Bayer by J. Dekenah, according to Bruce Bayer who visited the locality with him. When I visited the locality for the first time with Bruce we found that the plants were much more numerous and extending to lower on the ridge than Bruce remembered. On a recent visit I observed that the original patch was destroyed by farming activity and only the lower slopes still had plants.

On the visit with Bruce mentioned above, we found to our surprise a huge population only about 50 meters away that was apparently not there when Bruce visited the area with Dekenah. This population (see figures 36 through 39, page 23-24) seems to be intermediate between H. magnifica and H. retusa. The size of the rosettes are intermediate, some plants are proliferous. The leaf Fig. 20 & 21. Forms of Haworthia retusa surfaces are smoother than those of south of Riversdale, close to the type locality of H. magnifica. the nearby H. magnifica form. The plants grow well shaded in moss and lichen. It is possible that this population developed from a few vigorous hybrids from the nearby H. magnifica and H. retusa forms. The big surprise is how fast this may have happened!

Part 2 of this article will be published in the March, 2005 issue of Alsterworthia International.

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 19 Fig. 22. Habitat of the second tour stop east of Riversdale, located on map 12, page 11 at Fig. 23. The confluence of the Goukou and Vet Rivers east of Riversdale with the farm Grootvlei shown in the foreground

20 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3.

Fig. 24. Top left Figs. 26 & 27. Middle row, left to right Haworthia retusa (fouchei form) near Grootvlei to the east of Riversdale.

Fig. 25. Top right Haworthia minima east of Riversdale

Fig. 28. Bottom Haworthia retusa (geraldii form) in habitat east of Riversdale

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 21

Fig. 29 - 31 (top to bottom)

Haworthia retusa (geraldii form)

In habitat east of Riversdale

22 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3.

Fig. 32 - 35 Top two rows, clockwise starting top left.

Forms of Haworthia magnifica East of Riversdale.

Fig. 36 Bottom row.

Possible intermediates between H. magnifica and H. retusa growing near to Haworthia magnifica to the east of Riversdale

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 23

Fig. 37 - 39 Top left clockwise.

Possible intermediates between H. magnifica and H. retusa growing near to Haworthia magnifica to the east of Riversdale

24 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. Appendix 1. Explanation of some geological terms used in the text and legend. Term Explanation

1. Ferricrete A conglomerate of sand, gravel and soil cemented together by iron oxide derived from per- colating solutions of iron salts, it is often associated with specific soil forms and soil hori- zons. Also exposed as a result of erosion of the top soil horizons

2. Calcrete A conglomerate consisting of surficial sand, gravel and soil particles cemented into a hard mass by precipitation of calcium carbonate. It might be dissolved by groundwater and rede- posited. It often forms within a soil horizon.

3. Alluvium Alluvium is a term for unconsolidated material deposited by water amongst rivers, streams and might include mud, silt, gravel and sand.

4. Gravel An unconsolidated deposit of granule, pebble, cobble and boulder sized rocks with or with- out a finer grained matrix. It might be poorly cemented.

5. Calcarenite Limestone consisting predominantly of sands size particles of mostly calcite. Conversely it is a consolidated calcareous sand.

6. Silcrete Silcrete is normally a conglomerate consisting of soil, surficial sand and gravel cemented into a hard mass by silica.

7. Conglomerate Conglomerate consists of particles larger than 2 mm in diameter (granules, pebbles, cob- bles, boulders.) set in variable amounts of a fine matrix of small particles and cementing materials. Gravel turned to stone.

8. Sandstone A sedimentary rock consisting of abundant sands sized grains with or without finer grained material cemented together to form a cohesive rock

9. Quartzite Quartzite is a very hard rock consisting predominantly of sandstone sized grains which has been completely cemented so strong that it breaks through individual grains (sedimentary rock) or the sandstone has been completely recrystallized to quartz by metamorphism.

10. Mudstone Mudstone is a rock consisting of clay and silt sized particles, but differs from shale that it does not show lamination or stratification.

11. Siltstone A consolidated rock which predominantly consists of silt grain size particles (between mud and very fine sand).

12. Shale A finely stratified or laminated rock containing shale, silt or mud size particles.

13. Quartzitic A sandstone that is cemented with silica, suggesting some grade of metamorphoses.

14. Felspathic Contains grains or particles of the mineral feldspar.

15. Arenaceous Sandy , contains sand sized grains.

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 25 Aloe broomii var. tarkaensis? A new locality!!!

Daphne & Albert Prichard 11 Shaftesbuty Avenue, Penketh, Warrington, Cheshire WA5 2PD.

Aloe broomii, according to Reynolds, has a very wide distribution in South Africa. Some of the habitats are Burghersdorp, Lady Grey – Barcly East Road, Orange Free State: Fauresmith, Beestekraalnek between Rouxville and Aliwal North, Basutoland: slopes of the big Likhole Mountain, near Mafeteng, with the type locality being Pampoenpoort between Carnarvon and Victoria West. These are but a few of the locations listed by Reynolds [see page 164 of his book], but he could not and did not mention all of the places where it could be found. We have seen Aloe broomii growing in several places on trips made to Victoria West, Murraysburg and Middleburg and on the hills around the little village of Nieu Bethesda, but until this year, 2003, we had only ever seen the dead remains of flower spikes. Reynolds states that the flowering time for Aloe broomii is September. Our previous visits to South Africa have mainly been in September, October, November and December. This year in February we visited Nieu Bethesda to look again at Euphorbia clavarioides which grows there and found some superb large specimens [but that’s another story]. We were quite happy to have found the Euphorbia, but on our drive up out of the village we started to see A. broomii along the hillsides and were surprised to see several specimens in flower, some with the flower stems with unopened flowers and others with flowers just beginning to open. Parking the car not too far from one specimen we climbed a small bank and photographed it.

Consulting Reynolds, it would at first appear that this was totally the wrong time for the flowering of this species, which should be in September, but he notes that A. Fig. 40. Aloe broomii North of Bethesda broomii var. tarkaensis blooms in February until early March. This variety is noted from ten miles south of Tarkastad on the Bedford road and also 3.5 miles southwest of Tarkastad on rocky slopes. The little village of Nieu Bethesda is some 175 km west of Tarkastad. Reynolds notes that the main difference between the two is the type of produced. There are other differences [See Page 165 of his book]. In the typical A. broomii the buds and flowers are totally hidden by their longer densely imbricate , with only the exserted part of the genitals being visible. In the var. tarkaensis the bracts are dry and much shorter, the individual buds and open flowers all being clearly visible. So what do we appear to have found? Aloe broomii or Aloe broomii var. tarkaensis. It was unfortunate that we did not have the description with us when we were looking at the plants. If we had, then we would have examined the flowers more closely and checked for the other differences. From our photographs it is difficult to make a decision. But the plants were surely flowering at the wrong time for Aloe broomii. It does however make us think that perhaps species do not behave as books suggest and plants flower when conditions are suitable. As stated earlier we have only ever seen the dried up remains of flower stems during earlier visits, some of which were much nearer or during the reported flowering time of September. Has anyone seen the var. tarkaensis? And does it flower in February?

Fig. 41. Aloe broomii. Flowers opening from the base upwards.

26 Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. Three green cultivars

Russell Scott 39 Wellington Street, West Footscray, Victoria 3012, Australia. x Gasteria? 'Green Spiral'

Parentage. Unknown.

Comments. I have had this plant since 1994 ex David Cummings. David had it available on his 1982 list and originally imported it from the US. About 30 distinctly tricoloured (pink- white-green), 2.5-3cm long flowers, which are almost tubular, appear on a single flower stem of about 100-120cm in length during mid-late summer. Leaves are uniform dark green 2.5-3cm wide, 10-12cm long and about 1cm thick. When grown in higher light conditions the leaves only grow to around 7cm long. They are smooth without tubercles, curve downwards and have a distinct central channel.

As the name suggests, the plant's shape Fig. 42. x Gasteria? 'Green Spiral' is a green spiral. After nearly 10 years growth the plant has a diameter of around 20-23cm and about 15cm tall with a stem present. It is very slow Silver' growing and has not offset. It cannot be confused with G. nitida v. nitida as it forms a stem, nor can it be Hybridist. David Cummings (DMC ascension No. SO confused with G. bicolour due to its differing flowering -45/LAO - 1982 list) characteristics. Bearing this in mind, in all probability this is a Poellnitzia (or Astroloba) x G. nitida/ Comments. This plant looks somewhat like a green armstrongii hybrid. variegated H. marginata on a stem. It is easy growing, but slow and can get largish, requiring a 130cm pot. As it x Gastroloba 'Delbat' remains solitary, propagation is by beheading or leaf offsets. Parentage: Astroloba delatoidea x G 'Little Warty' (G. batesiana x G. 'Old Man Silver') Leaves are 8-10cm long, 3cm wide at the base, 1-1.5cm thick, tapering, triangular, sharply pointed, smooth/shiny Hybridist - David Cummings (DMC ascension No. SO- with slightly raised ridges running the length of the leaf. 141/LAO - 1993 list) Leaves are a light green with one or more darker green stripes running down the leaf centres. Leaves become Comments. Leaves are 4-5cm long, 1.5cm wide at the paler and a pink flush occurs when grown in the sun. base and about 0.5cm thick and patterned with dark Black spot mars the appearance of older leaves. Leaves green variegation on a pale green background on upper remain viable on the stem for 5-7 years before dying and and lower lead surfaces. Plants form rosettes 7-10cm leaving the main body of the plant supported by a stem diameter and grow to 15-20cm tall before lower leaf surrounded by dead leaves, at which time plant dieback occurs along the stem. Offsets occur, which can beheading becomes sensible. Plant remains solitary, have differing patterns of variegation. Offsets can start form rosettes 12-15cm diameter and grow to 20-25cm off as variegated and revert to non-variegated or have no tall before said beheading becomes necessary and in fact variegation at all. The non-variegated reversions are the only real way to propagate (apart from leaf offsets). interesting in their own right having dark green leaves Flower spikes are solitary 70-90cm long with 50-70 with pale green spots but fail to comply with David's flowers distinctly intermediate between Astroloba and original description of the plant as a "tall rosette of green/ Gasteria. silver leaves." Figure 44, page 28. Figure 43, page 28. x Gastroloba 'Grugwyn' (AKA - 'Gruewyn')

Parentage. Astroloba delatoidea x G. 'Old Man

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3. 27

Fig. 43. x Gastroloba 'Delbat' Fig. 44. x Gastroloba 'Grugwyn'

And to close this issue an important announcement.

The annual membership fees for 2005 are now due.

Notwithstanding that costs have gone up because of increases in postage and printing charges, the annual membership fees in British pounds remain the same as in previous years.

To ensure that overseas members receive their journals in the month of issue, each journal is finalised in the next but one month preceding the month of issue and it is printed at the latest at the beginning of the month preceding the month of issue. Most overseas members, who have their journal sent by surface mail, can reasonably expect to receive them by the end of the month of issue. Airmailed copies should be received in the early part of the month of issue.

As the March 2005 Alsterworthia International will be finalised in January and printed in early February you might wish to ensure that your subscription for 2005 is renewed right away, so that it reaches the UK by January.

If you renew later you will still receive your March journal as quickly as possible but, as you will miss the bulk posting for the March issue, the cost to Alsterworthia International will be higher. We are doing all we can to improve the journal and at the same time keep costs down. Do please help us to do this.

Please pay by whatever payment method is most convenient for you, but please note that payments to some of our twelve agents are generally sent to the UK in bulk periodically, not normally on a day to day basis, as this helps to keep down costs.

A membership renewal leaflet is enclosed with this issue.

And to close this closure item - an invitation.

Both members and non-members are invited to send articles to the editor, with or without photographs, short or long, on any subject relative to the genera of the Asphodelaceae Dahlgren et al, for publication in regular journals or in special issues. Special issues are usually the province of longer articles, articles requiring many photographs or more technical articles.

Editor: Harry Mays, Woodsleigh, Moss Lane, St Michaels on Wyre, Preston, PR3 0TY, UK [email protected]

Alsterworthia International Volume 4. Issue 3.