Cow-tongue cactus
Gasteria batesiana
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
What it is like
A herb with leaves in a ring. It grows 3-10 cm tall. They are like aloes but have keeled leaves. The leaves are dark green. The flowering shoots have large flowers 4 cm long.
Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. They grow best in shade. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Australia, Eswatini, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland
How it is used for food
The flowers are cooked as a vegetable. The flowers are also rich in nectar.
Edible parts
Flowers
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Indvololwane, Knoppies-beestong, Oukossies