Tulista marginata Seeds
South African Endemic Succulent
Tulista is a genus of dwarf, succulent plants, that was previously included in Haworthia subgenus Robustipedunculares. Based on evidence from molecular research on the relationships at generic level among the alooids, the genus Haworthia was split into 3 segregate genera, which roughly correspond to the previously recognized subgenera. The meaning of the name Tulista is unclear. Members of the genus Tulista are characterised by their small, stemless rosettes of succulent leaves that are generally larger than those of the other haworthioids (Haworthia and Haworthiopsis species). Fibres are completely absent from the leaves of all species and the leaf exudate is yellow. Leaf characters vary among the different species of Tulista, as well as within a species, in terms of colour and texture. Plants are usually solitary or occasionally suckering to form small clumps. Among the haworthioid genera, Tulista has the most robust inflorescences, which are generally well branched. In bud the flowers are carried erect, but when the flowers open, they are disposed horizontally or at an angle. Flowers are bilabiate (with a fairly distinct upper and lower lip), with a straight tube, slightly recurved tips, and are generally white or whitish, with a pink or brownish green central vein on the tepals (flower leaves). The flower tube has a wide base and joins the flower stalk (pedicel) quite abruptly (flower tube not narrowing towards the pedicel as in Haworthia and Haworthiopsis). Tulista species mostly flower in spring and summer in the southern hemisphere. The 3-chambered fruit capsules dry and split open to reveal the flattish, yellowish brown to dark brown seed. Plants are perennial, relatively slow growing, and have a fairly long lifespan, surviving for up to several decades in nature or in cultivation. These attractive, dwarf, leaf succulents, with their often white-tuberculed leaves in compact rosettes, are very popular among succulent plant collectors. All four members of this small genus are endemic to the Western Cape Province of South Africa. They are perfect for container gardens or small rockeries in these areas, whereas they are suited to growing under cover in other areas. Tulista marginata - Plants form a stemless rosette, with erect to spreading, pale brownish green leaves. Rosettes are up to 200 mm tall, and occasionally form small clusters. The leaf surface is smooth and usually without any tubercles. This variable species is restricted to the Western Cape, South Africa, from near Ashton and Bredasdorp in the west, to Riversdale in the east. These large plants usually grow exposed on flat to sloped grassy terrain with scattered shrubs.
