43. Haworthia bruynsii Bayer, JS.Afr.Bot 47:789(1981). Bayer :64(1982). Scott :135(1985). Type: CAPE‑3324 (Steytlerville): SE. Steytlerville (‑AD), G.J. Rossouw 456 (NBG).
bruynsii: for P.V. Bruyns.
Rosette stemless, solitary, to 6cm φ. Leaves 5-11, with flattened, retused end-area, opaque and slightly scabrid with small raised tubercles above. Inflorescence simple, slender, florets sparse. Flowers slender, tepals fused and with revolute tips.
1982 – H. bruynsii is the most remarkable discovery since H. truncata in 1910. The general appearance of the plants and their locality immediately suggest H. springbokvlakensis. However, the surface of the leaf-end areas is more scabrid and often more acutely margined as in some forms of H. emelyae. The surprise comes in the inflorescence as the peduncle is long and wiry and the florets are singularly characteristic of the subgenus Hexangulares, i.e. six‑sided at the base, exposed mid‑ribs of inner perianth lobes, straight style and florets slowly spiralled on the peduncle. Had only one plant been seen it may have been considered a hybrid of some kind. However, H. bruynsii occurs at two distinct localities as is so far known, and there is no evidence of hybridisation. The plants have only 5‑11 leaves when full grown, and they are sunken in the ground under small bushes in the same way as H. springbokvlakensis and also occurring with Lithops localis as in this species.
1999 – This species is now well-known southeast of Steytlerville and speculation about its relationships continues. J.D. Venter has suggested that the affinity is with H. sordida. This is plausible as that species does show signs of abbreviated leaves and the tendency towards a truncated end-area, in collections east of H. bruynsii localities. H. sordida does, however, also occur in its normal large and erect form nearby at Springbokvlakte and also at Kleinpoort a little to the north. The comparison with H. emelyae above should now read H. bayeri.
Distribution: 3324 (Steytlerville): SE. Steytlerville(‑AD), G.J. Rossouw 456 (NBG).
Hi, congratulations for creating this very useful website. Simply indicate that the map of this species (H. bruynsii) is erroneous, and corresponds to H. attenuata.
Carles.
Carles Fabregat you have done a great service. Thank you. Map corrected.
Tell me why are you browsing this site and how is it you noticed the error.
Kindest regards, Lawrence
Hi Lawrence
I’m a professional botanist and passionate about the succulent flora of South Africa, with my main interest in alooids and mesembs. For many years I have been putting together a good collection of Haworthia, Astroloba, Gasteria and some Aloe, as well as the main bibliography related to these genera. Although I have the major books by M.B. Bayer (Handbook, New Handbook and Revisited), I frequently go to this page for quick consultations and to access Updates. I was very happy to find it on the internet a few years ago.
I’m especially interested in the taxonomy of Haworthia, as it is an exciting genus in this sense, and I like to know data about the plants I have. Updating the database of my collection, I wanted to specify the distribution of H. bruynsii, and when I saw the map I realized from the wider distribution and the subspecies that were mentioned that it really corresponded to H. attenuata.
I’m glad to have been of help.
Kind regards
Carles
Carles, you sound like an interesting person. Are you a member of the Haworthia Society, and would you consider writing an article or two? The are many taxonomic issues to sort out. Here’s one thing you can help with … plans are in the works to publish a Bayer Anthology, a collection in 300 pages of Bruce Bayer’s most important works. Would you suggest say 10 articles to include, and say why?
I know about the Haworthia Society but I’m not a member. Of course, I would like to collaborate on a tribute to Bayer. I’ll send you my suggestions in a few days and we’ll keep in touch by email.
Thank you very much for your interest.
Carles.
Carles, please write to me. There is a Bayer Anthology in the works, maybe you can help. lawrence@loucka.net