Accepted Scientific Name: Haworthia reinwardtii (Salm-Dyck) Haw.
Saxifrag. Enum. 2: 53 1821. (Revis. Pl. Succ. 53. ) Haw.
Catevala reinwardtii (Haworthia reinwardtii) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Origin and Habitat: It occurs south to south-east of Grahamstown between Kowie and Fish rivers and eastwards from the Fish River to near East London. Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Habitat: The typical habitat consists of dry rocky hillsides, inhabited by herbs, with taller emergent shrubs, under which the Haworthia grow. They also grow in rock fissures on rocky cliffs in more exposed positions or in the shade of rocks.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Haworthia reinwardtii
Common Names include:
ENGLISH: Wart plant
RUSSIAN (Русский): Гавортия Рейнвардта
Description: Haworthia reinwardtiiSN|17124]]SN|17097]] is a popular succulent species which is particularly priced for its darkish-green columnar rosettes speckled with white wart-like protuberances on the leaves. It is one of the best marked of all haworthias. This species is highly polymorphous and has been split over time in nine to twenty subordinates taxa, all possessing slightly different characteristics, and although nowadays the tendency is to just consider them all as forms of Haworthia reinwardtiiSN|17097]]SN|17097]], but non-botanists prefer to have a name for all their plants if they distinct enough to warrant one.
Habit: Haworthia reinwardtiiSN|17097]]SN|17097]] is a small succulent plant proliferating freely from the base, forming small clusters or large mats. It is an exception among Haworthias because it produces rows of overlapping, spirally arranged, leaves completely coating an upright stem, so it looks like an elongated rosette.
Rosettes: 4-10 cm in diameter, caulescent, to 20(-35) cm tall, proliferating.
Leaves : Numerous, densely arranged, rigid, erectly spreading or incurved up to 7 cm long and 2 cm broad at the base, dull green to brownish-green usually with flattened white or greyish tubercles. The plants blush bronze when grown in bright light (but if they turn orange-red, they are getting too much).
Inflorescence: Wiry, simple or occasionally compound, to 30 cm tall.
Flowers: 15-20, rather small, whitish/greenish, tube obcapitate, curved, internal tepals revolute.
Chromosome number: 2n = 14. Haworthia reinwardtiiSN|17097]]SN|17097]] present 2x, 3x and 4x degrees of polyploidy, and there is no relationship between the external morphology of the individuals and the polyploidy.
Related species: Haworthia reinwardtiiSN|17097]]SN|17097]] is very closely associated with Haworthia coarctataSN|17097]]SN|17124]]. The differences between the two species are following: H. coarctata has tubercles smaller and more smoothly rounded, whereas in H.reinwardtii they are frequently large and tend to be flattened and whiter. The forms of H. reinwardtii are often more striking because of the larger white tubercles.
Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Haworthia reinwardtii group
- Haworthia reinwardtii (Salm-Dyck) Haw.: has robust cylyndrical rosettes up to 10 cm in diameter and 20 cm tall. Leaves brownish-green, scabrid with flattened scale-like tubercles on the outer side. Distribution: Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Haworthia reinwardtii var. brevicula G.G.Sm.: has smaller rosttes only 4 cm in diameter and less than 10 cm tall. Distribution: Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Haworthia reinwardtii f. chalumnensis (G.G.Sm.) M.B.Bayer: has more elongate leaves, bent inward and conspicuously tuberculate. Distribution: Chalumna, Eastern cape. South Africa.
- Haworthia reinwardtii f. kaffirdriftensis (G.G.Sm.) M.B.Bayer: has longitudinal rows of clear white tubercles on the back of the leaves. Distribution: Fish River, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Haworthia reinwardtii f. olivacea (G.G.Sm.) M.B.Bayer: has quite smooth olive-green leaves with rounder tubercles. Distribution: Fish River, Eastern cape, South Africa.
- Haworthia reinwardtii f. zebrina (G.G.Sm.) M.B.Bayer: has prominent tubercles forming transverse withe bands on the back of the leaves. Distribution: Fish River, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) ddd
2) M. B. Bayer , E. J. van Jaarsveld: Haworthia reinwardtii . In: Urs Eggli “Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Monocotyledons” Springer, 2001
3) Charles L. Scott “The genus Haworthia (Liliaceae): a taxonomic revision” Aloe Books, 1985
4) Stuart Max Walters “The European Garden Flora: Pteridophyta, Gymbospermae, Angiospermae-Monocotyledons” Cambridge University Press, 1984
5) M. B. Bayer “The new Haworthia handbook” National Botanic Gardens of South Africa, 1982
6) John Pilbeam “Haworthia and Astroloba: A Collector's Guide” B. T. Batsford Limited, 1983
7) Gordon D. Rowley “The illustrated encyclopedia of succulents” Crown Publishers, 01/Aug/1978
8) A. J. van Laren “Succulents other than cacti” Abbey San Encino Press, 1934
9) Walther Haage “Cacti and succulents: a practical handbook” Dutton, 1963
10) Adrian Hardy Haworth “A new Arrangement of the Genus Aloe, with a chronological Sketch of the progressive Knowledge of that Genus, and of other succulent Genera.” In: Transactions of the Linnean Society of London. Band 7, Nummer 1, London 1804
11) “The Bulletin of the African Succulent Plant Society” Volumes 9-12 African Succulent Plant Society 1974
Catevala reinwardtii (Haworthia reinwardtii) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Catevala reinwardtii (Haworthia reinwardtii) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Catevala reinwardtii (Haworthia reinwardtii) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Catevala reinwardtii (Haworthia reinwardtii) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Catevala reinwardtii (Haworthia reinwardtii) Photo by: Giuseppe Distefano Catevala reinwardtii (Haworthia reinwardtii) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Cultivation and Propagation: Haworthia reinwardtiiSN|17097]]SN|17097]] is a proliferous species of easy cultivation and relatively low maintenance, forming clumps in nature. It is 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). It is a winter grower and is dormant in the hottest summer months. In cultivation it needs more sunny position to show its beauty.
Growth rate: Haworthia reinwardtiiSN|17097]]SN|17097]] 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 in spring or summer. They can also be grown from seed.
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by Valentino Vallicelli