Tulista opalina

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

Tulista opalina M.H.Hayashi

opalina: for its tubercles.

T. opalina is one of the most attractive plant in Haworthia group. It is rare and mysterious in one hand and subject of many discussion in the other hand. It is quite large growing plant with rosette up to 12-15cm in diameter, it remains mostly solitairy. Long minima-like leaves are covered with dense glossy and transparent tubercles. Color is light green. Flower types and shape of fruits are much more like maxima than minima.

Map of distribution

T. opalina is known only from one single hill on Brandrivier farm between Garcias Pass and Barrydale. It co-occurs with another strenge element H. obserata, which is known from this area  as well only. In the same locality grows H. arachnoidea var. nigricans, H. multifolia and Astroloba corrugata. Natural hybrids of opalina and corrugata were reported from here. Only very few people had oportunity to see these magnificent plants in nature, because the landowners do not allow anybody on their property.

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

T. opalina is very demanded in collections. Sources of seedlings are very limited, so it will take a time to wider introduction to our collections. It is quite slow grow species, my seedlings were first flowering after 6-7 years in cultivation. Growing conditions are same as minima or maxima plants. Propagation must be done by seed.

Known locality:

• Brandrivier (3321CC)

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

Tulista opalina, Brandrivier

Locality of Tulista opalina, Brandrivier