Astridia swartpoortensis L.Bolus
Swartpoort astridia
Astridia swartpoortensis is a succulent shrub endemic to the Swartpoort area of Namibia. The name refers to its type locality, 'Swartpoort' (black gate in Afrikaans), an area of the Namibian interior with arid karoo vegetation. It shares the habit and floral characteristics of the genus, but with slightly shorter leaves.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Astridia |
| Growth Habit | Succulent shrublet 10–25 cm; short triquetrous leaves, grey branches, winter flowering. |
| Conservation Status | Data deficient (DD); endemic to a restricted type locality. |
| pH Target | 6.5–7.5 |
| Type | Pure mineral, well-drained |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Triquetrous, fleshy, 1.5–3 cm long, greyish-green to grey, shorter than in other Astridia.
ecoPink to pinkish-white, 2–4 cm in diameter, with linear petals; winter.
ecoGrey, semi-woody, branching from the base.
ecoDehiscent capsule characteristic of Aizoaceae.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Pure mineral, well-drained
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut 4–6 cm stems; callous for 2 days in dry place
- 2 Insert in mineral substrate; water after one month
G
Watering in summer
Every 3 years in spring
Very diluted mineral fertilizer, once in winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"A. swartpoortensis is one of the least represented species in the genus in herbaria and living collections; its specific delimitation relative to other Namibian Astridia needs review through molecular analysis."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟡 MediumVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.