Astroloba

Astroloba is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Asphodeloideae,[2] native to the Cape Province of South Africa.[1]

Astroloba
Astroloba foliolosa in cultivation
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Astroloba
Uitewaal[1]

Naming
Detail of Astroloba inflorescence (here, Astroloba corrugata)

The name of the genus is derived from the Greek words astros, star, and lobos, lobe, and refers to the starlike shape of the petals, which appear at the end of the tube-like flowers.

Description

They are very closely related to the genus Haworthia, but are distinguished by their flowers being regular and not double-tipped. The flowers are small and white, and appear clustered on slender racemes.[3]

Distribution map of the Astroloba species

They bear very regular, sharp, triangular, succulent leaves along their symmetrical columnar stems. They are slow growing, multi-stemmed, and their longer stems tend to sprawl in their rocky natural habitat.

Within the genus, various subgroupings can be recognised, based on shared characteristics. The Foliolosa Complex (including the entities robusta, foliolosa and congesta) can be distinguished by the glossy sheen to their leaves, and by their flowers with long bracts, short pedicels, smooth perianth tubes and broad cream-white lobes.

Distribution and habitat

These species are restricted to the dryer inland regions of the southern Cape, South Africa. In their arid natural habitat, they tend to favour semi-shade positions, with well-drained soil and winter rainfall.[4]

Species

As of October 2017, the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families accepted eight species. An overall list of species recognised include the following:[5][6][7]

Natural hybrids of these species occur, and there are several varieties which are unresolved as to whether they constitute intermediate forms, hybrids or separate species. In addition there are naturally occurring hybrids between species of Astroloba and Tulista (formerly Haworthia Robustipedunculares), including the well-known ones named × Astrolista bicarinata (formerly x Astroworthia bicarinata / skinneri) which are crosses between Astroloba corrugata and Tulista pumila.[11]

References
  1. "Astroloba", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 2013-06-09
  2. Stevens, P.F. (2001 onwards), "Asphodeloideae", Angiosperm Phylogeny Website, retrieved 2016-06-10
  3. Eggli, Urs; Newton, Leonard E. (2010), Etymological Dictionary of Succulent Plant Names, Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer, ISBN 978-3-642-05597-3, p. 17
  4. S. Molteno, G. Smith, E. Van Jaarsveld. (2017) Extending the Natural Distribution Range of Astroloba herrei Uitewaal (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae): Implications for Its Conservation Status. Haseltonia. pg(s) 39–47 ISSN 1938-2898
  5. Search for "Astroloba", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 2013-06-09
  6. Pandora Roberts Reinecke: Genus Astroloba Uitewaal (Liliaceae). MSc thesis. UCT Department of Biological Sciences. 1965.
  7. Introduction to the Astroloba species
  8. GF. Smith, E. Figueiredo, S. Molteno (2018) Lectotypification of Astroloba herrei Uitewaal (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae). Bradleya 36, pg(s) 224-226
  9. G.Smith, E.Figeueiredo, S.Molteno (2017): Astroloba robusta: A new species from the Great Karoo, South Africa. Bradleya 35, pp. 201-211.
  10. S.Molteno, E.van Jaarsveld, G.Smith. (2017): Astroloba tenax Molteno, Van Jaarsv. & Gideon F.Sm., a new species from the Groot Swartberg Mountain, South Africa. Bradleya 35, pp. 139-149.
  11. G.Smith, E.Figeueiredo, S.Molteno (2017): xAstrolista: A new name for the South African endemic nothogenus x Astroworthia. Bradleya 35, pp. 195-200.
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