Astroloba rubriflora

Astroloba rubriflora is a small succulent perennial from the Robertson area in the western Karoo. The name Poellnitzia rubriflora (and others) from the plants history are also found in the literature for this plant. It branches into a clump of erect stems topped by rosettes of spiny tipped leaves.

Astroloba means star-like petals. Astrolobas resemble the haworthias except for their star-like, i.e. radially symmetric (actinomorphic) flowers. Haworthias have zygomorphic or two-tipped, laterally symmetric flowers.

This plant normally grows in the shade of bigger shrubs and hides from the harsh full summer sunlight that turns them red as in the photo. They are readily propagated from seed. Watering should occur in winter when they receive rain in habitat. Damage at temperatures below 0? C is likely if protection is not provided (www.desert-tropicals.com).