GASTERIA MIXED SPECIES SEEDS INDIGENOUS ENDEMIC SUCCULENT IN PORT ELIZABETH

Gasteria is a genus of 23 species of succulent plants indigenous to South Africa with all except one being endemic to South Africa. Closely related genera include Aloe, Astroloba and Haworthia. The genus name Gasteria is named for its stomach-shaped flowers. In Greek, gaster, means belly, and alludes to the swollen base of the flower. The genus is part of the family Asphodeloideae. Common names include cow-tongue cactus, lawyer's tongue, mother-in-law's tongue and ox-tongue. Gasteria species are grown in well-drained, sandy soils in light shade. Gasteria species thrive in cultivation both indoors and outdoors, used as potted plants or in outdoor rockeries and are tolerant of a wide range of soils and habitats. The flowers attract birds to the garden during spring. Germination usually occurs within 8 days but may take as long as one month depending on the species. With their ability to grow under lower light conditions they are easily grown and maintained in cultivation. Gasterias are used in various traditional medicines. In the Eastern Cape Gasteria excelsa and Gasteria croucheri are occasionally put on the roofs of homes to stop lightning from striking the house. There are also reports that the plants are used during faction fighting in a belief that it will make them invisible to their enemies.