Haworthia marumiana Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Origin and Habitat: Distributed across the Western Cape and Eastern Cape of South Africa, from roughly Beaufort West to Sterkstroom.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Haworthia marumiana
Description: Haworthia marumianaSN|17055]]SN|17055]] is a tiny mound-forming succulent plant with tappered olive-green leaves which have lighter coloured marginal spines and a transluscent quality with linear pale green reticulation, especially near their ends.
Rosettes: Stemless, proliferous from the base and axils, 4-5(-7) cm in diameter readily clustering to form dense cushions.
Leaves: 1,2-2 cm long more or less soft to the touch, ovate-lanceolate, almost erect, bent inward, tapering to a long wispy tip, almost flat above, conspicuously keeled below, green, turning purple in full sun, terminal bristle about 2 mm, both surfaces tessellated, smooth or with bristles which arise from translucent flecks. Margins and keel with minute teeth.
Inflorescence: Wiry, few flowered, up to 20 cm tall.
Flowers: Relatively inconspicuous whitish/greenish.
Blooming season: Spring to summer.
Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Haworthia marumiana group
- Haworthia marumiana Uitewaal: leaves 1,2-2 cm long ovate-lanceolate tapering to a long wispy tip, green, turning purple in full sun, both surfaces tessellated, with translucent flecks. Distribution: W. and E. Cape of South Africa.
- Haworthia marumiana var. archeri (W.F.Barker ex M.B.Bayer) M.B.Bayer: is a small, brownish-green, setaceous, non-proliferating form. Distribution: it is only found in the Western Cape Karoo.
- Haworthia marumiana var. batesiana (Uitewaal) M.B.Bayer: is a small, smooth, bright green form with non-setose but awned leaves. Leaves 2-2,5 cm long, green, indistinctly tessellated beneath the surface. Margins and keel with minute teeth. Distribution: Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Haworthia marumiana var. dimorpha (M.B.Bayer) M.B.Bayer
- Haworthia marumiana var. viridis M.B.Bayer
Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) M. B. Bayer , E. J. van Jaarsveld: Haworthia marumiana. In: Urs Eggli “Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Monocotyledons” Springer, 2001
2) Charles L. Scott “The genus Haworthia (Liliaceae): a taxonomic revision” Aloe Books, 1985
3) Stuart Max Walters “The European Garden Flora: Pteridophyta, Gymbospermae, Angiospermae-Monocotyledons” Cambridge University Press, 1984
4) M. B. Bayer “The new Haworthia handbook” National Botanic Gardens of South Africa, 1982
5) John Pilbeam “Haworthia and Astroloba: A Collector's Guide” B. T. Batsford Limited, 1983
6) Gordon D. Rowley “The illustrated encyclopedia of succulents” Crown Publishers, 01/Aug/1978
7) Doreen Court “Succulent Flora of Southern Africa” CRC Press, 01/Jun/2000
Haworthia marumiana Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Send a photo of this plant.The gallery now contains thousands of pictures, however it is possible to do even more. We are, of course, seeking photos of species not yet shown in the gallery but not only that, we are also looking for better pictures than those already present.
Read More... Cultivation and Propagation: Haworthia are of easy cultivation and relatively low maintenance, which makes them a good houseplant, and can be an excellent subject for the beginning succulentophile (they can grow easily on window sills, verandas and in miniature succulent gardens where they are happy to share their habitat with other smaller succulent plants, or in outdoor rockeries). Haworthias are winter growers and are dormant in the hottest summer months.
Growth rate: They are relatively fast-growing plants that offsets freely to form small clusters quickly.
Soil: They are tolerant of a wide range of soils and habitats, but prefer a very porous potting mix to increase drainage. A non-acid soil is ideal. You can grow a plant in a 10-15 cm pot for years and have perfectly happy plants. For best results, use a shallow pot.
Exposition: The plant needs light shade to shade, but will take full sun part of the day. (with some sun exposure the leaf develops a nice reddish tint and remains compact).
Watering: During the hot summer months, the soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. During the winter months, water only when the soil becomes completely dry. Wet soil quickly causes root and stem rot, especially during chilly winter months. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Low ambient humidity is always needed.
Fertilization: The plants are fertilized only once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½ the recommended strength.
Hardiness: Although the plant will survive mild frost if kept dry (hardy as low as -5° C) it should be protected from severe cold and prolonged frost conditions.
Rot: Rot is only a minor problem with Haworthia if the plants are watered and “aired” correctly. If they are not, fungicides won't help all that much. Care must be given in watering, keeping them warm and wet while growing, and cooler and dry when dormant.
Remarks: Haworthias are best planted in a shaded and airy part of the greenhouse, and not too close to the glass roof or sides of the house as the plants can overheat during hot spells.
Propagation: Haworthia are easily propagated by the removal of offshoots or by leaf cuttings in spring or summer. To propagate by leaf cuttings, remove a leaf and let it lie for about one month, giving the wound time to heal. Then lay the leaf on its side with the basal part buried in the soil. This leaf should root within a month or two, and small plants will form at the leaf base. They can also be grown from seed.