May 10
Gasteria obtusifolia
Though plants have long been in cultivation under this name, it is listed by authority Ernst van Jaarsveld as a synonym of G. disticha. However, it differs from typical plants of that species in having stubbier flowers and leaves that develop a keel, not remaining completely two-sided like A. disticha. I have not seen matching plants in nature, and I am still using the old name G. obtusifolia until I know more about its origins. Gasterias are related to aloes, and they occur widely in South Africa.
-Brian
