One of the choicest of the retuse-leaved haworthias, with broad translucent “windows” ornamented with a pattern of striations at the tips of purplish, few-leaved rosettes. Named for one of South Africa’s dozen or more places named Springbokvlakte, which loosely translates as “flats where the springboks are found”, now largely a historical note. The one in question is in the dry interior W Cape around Oudtshoorn where rain is scant but can occur in winter or summer. This indicates that sensitive watering is called for in cultivation lest the thick fleshy white roots rot off. Some shade is also in order, as plants typically grow in the protection of shrubs. HBG 89147, from controlled pollination of plants collected E. Heunis (311) about 60 km. ESE of Steytlerville, E. Cape, S. Africa. $17.50.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 75 (2), March - April, 2003