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Haworthiopsis limifolia (variegated)

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Haworthiopsis limifolia (variegated)

Family Name: Asphodelaceae
Synonyms: Haworthia limifolia (variegated)
Common Name: Variegated Fairy Washboard, Variegated File-leaved Haworthia

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Infraspecific Epithet
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Herbaceous Plant, Succulent Plant
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width 10 cm

Biogeography

Local Conservation Status Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only)

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a compact, rosette-forming herbaceous succulent, up to 10 cm wide.
Foliage Triangular, elongated leaves (7.5 cm long, 2.5 cm wide) are variegated dark green to greyish green and cream to light yellow and arranged in a tight rosette. Stiff, fleshy leaves have a rough, rippled surface and are slightly rolled inwards along the leaf margin.  
Flowers White, tubular flowers are arranged near the tip of a 35 cm-long inflorescence stalk.
Cultivation This slow-growing plant requires well-drained soil which should be allowed to dry before re-watering. Using a shallow pot with drainage holes will allow the soil to dry out faster and prevent root rot. Overwatering is a common cause of plant decline. It needs bright light, but hot afternoon sun will cause sunburn.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Form, Ornamental Foliage
Landscape Uses Small Gardens, Suitable for Rooftops, Container Planting
Thematic Landscaping Rockery / Desert Garden

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade
Water Preference Little Water

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Cream / Off-White, Green, Silver / Grey, Yellow / Golden
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Rough
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Rosulate / Rosette
Foliar Attachment to Stem Sessile
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Deltoid)
Foliar Venation Reticulate
Foliar Margin Entire
Foliar Apex - Tip Acuminate
Foliar Base Truncate / Square
Typical Foliar Area Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 )

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) White
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Terminal
Individual Flower Shape Tubular

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 33001
Species ID 7415
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 03 October 2025.
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