Tulista pumila (L.) G.D.Rowley
Pearl Plant / Pearly Dots
Pearl Plant is an acaulescent succulent endemic to South Africa's Western Cape, characterised by large raised white warts covering the surface of its dark green leaves, creating an appearance reminiscent of pearls set in jade. It was transferred from Haworthia to Tulista by Manning, Boatwright & Bayer in 2014 upon recognition as a genetically distinct Western Cape lineage.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Tulista |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent; solitary or in small groups; moderate offset production. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN). Endemic to the Western Cape; genus Tulista separated from Haworthia by molecular analysis (Manning et al. 2014). |
| pH Target | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| Type | Quartzitic-sandy, low in nutrients, porous; slightly acid pH. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate-triangular leaves 8–15 cm, dark green with very large elevated white tubercles (3–5 mm diameter) on both surfaces; margins with cream-coloured spines. The warts are the most conspicuous in the Asphodelaceae family.
ecoVery short or invisible stem; the compact rosette emerges almost directly from the ground. Rarely branched.
ecoInflorescence 20–35 cm; tubular white flowers with pink or green stripes, bilabiate. Spring to summer flowering.
ecoFibrous and somewhat fleshy root system; adapted to Western Cape quartzite and shale soils.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Quartzitic-sandy, low in nutrients, porous; slightly acid pH.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Identify offsets (basal shoots) of at least 3–4 cm in diameter with well-formed leaves.
- 2 In spring-summer, gently remove the plant from its pot or use a spatula to access the base.
- 3 With hands or a sterilized knife, separate the offset with its roots from the mother plant; having no roots is not a problem.
- 4 Allow the cut to callus for 1–2 days in an airy spot without direct sun.
- 5 Plant in well-draining mineral substrate; water gently after 5–7 days and place in bright indirect light.
- 1 Sow on the surface of fine, draining substrate that is lightly moist.
- 2 Maintain temperature of 20–25 °C with bright indirect light; cover with plastic or glass and ventilate daily.
- 3 Germination in 3–6 weeks; gradually remove cover.
- 4 Transplant individually when seedlings reach 2–3 cm.
- 1 Remove a fully mature basal leaf with a gentle twist until it detaches with the base intact.
- 2 Allow to callus for 2–3 days in a ventilated, dry spot.
- 3 Place the base in contact with barely moist mineral substrate; do not bury the leaf.
- 4 Keep in a warm spot with indirect light; mist every 10 days. Roots and shoots may appear in 6–10 weeks.
T. pumila (formerly Haworthia pumila) is the best-known species in the genus; its large white tubercles are its hallmark — bright indirect light keeps them prominent.
Exposing to intense direct midday sun that burns and discolours the tubercled leaves.
Every 2–3 years in spring when offsets fill the pot. Well-draining mineral substrate; medium terracotta pots.
Once a month in spring and summer with balanced fertilizer diluted to half dose. No fertilization in autumn-winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic or very low toxicity; considered safe for pets.
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"T. pumila's large tubercles are the most conspicuous leaf warts in the Asphodelaceae family and function as diffuse-light-capturing structures under the canopy of the South African Mediterranean shrubland (fynbos). The separation from Haworthia into Tulista (Manning et al. 2014) was confirmed by phylogenomic analyses revealing basal differentiation within the western Haworthia clade."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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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.