Let’s talk conservation! Haworthia truncata, or the ‘perdetande’ (horse’s teeth), is my favourite plant. It was always a goal for me to see them in habitat. In 2024, I finally had the privilege of visiting a private property in the Karoo that hosted this plant. In the company of a nature guide, we set off on a hike to go find them. I was thinking that, since this was my favourite plant, I would have no trouble spotting them. After a few minutes of walking, the guide stopped us. He mentioned that there was a very special plant nearby… and that I was almost standing straight on top of one, much to my embarrassment.
Haworthia truncata in habitat, that I almost stepped on!
Haworthia truncata in habitat
This is the reason I mentioned conservation at the start of my post. These Haworthia truncata were so hidden and looked so different from the ones that I have grown in my collection that it was hard to recognize them. Cultivated plants are pristine, growing free from weathering, herbivory, bug bites, and heat stress, whereas plants in nature are exposed to all of these natural processes. They may also be covered in mud, something that does not happen when a plant grows in a pot.
Haworthia truncata
Haworthia truncata
The end point of this post is to be wary and careful of where you purchase your succulents from. Make sure that the nursery you buy from, whether it is online or in person, has good quality, cultivated plants, and the proper permits.
Pristine Haworthia truncata in cultivation
Written by Harry Lewis, succulent specialist & conservationist