Gasteria batesiana is a small charming species bearing rough tuberculata brittle leaves. It is ideal for containers in a shady spot. It is at once recognized by its small rosettes of triangular-lanceolate leaves often with transverse mottled cross bands, simple inflorescence of large nectar-rich flowers attracting sunbirds during spring. The plant soon proliferates from the base forming small groups. Due to its medicinal use it is becoming very rare. Gasteria batesiana is one of 20 Gasteria species mainly confined to South Africa and southern Namibia (1 species).
Distribution and habitat
Gasteria batesiana has the most northerly distribution in the genus, occurring east of the inland escarpment from north of the Tukhela (Tugela) River in northern KwaZulu-Natal to the Olifants River Valley in the Limpopo Province. It is found in bushveld (savannah) at elevations from 500 to 700 m, in hot, dry, frost free river valleys in mountainous terrain and the plants are mostly confined to cliff faces. Its habitat consists of shady southern and eastern aspects where it occurs in shallow humus-rich soil (pH 6,8 – 7,1).
Ecology
Gasteria batesiana is pollinated by sunbirds. Its fruiting capsules becoming erect after fertilization, opening from the top only to release its flattish seed by gusts of wind, thus ensuring a sufficient dispersal distance. Its fleshy leaves store water making it a drought tolerant and ideal water wise garden plant. In spite of its habitat on cliffs becoming bone dry during winter, the plants have enough water supply for survival.
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