Gasteria pillansii aka Cattle Tongue

Gasteria pillansii is a succulent perennial in the Asphodelaceae family. Its common names include ox-tongue and cattle tongue. It comes from southwestern Namibia and western South Africa. Its range includes Namaqualand and the Western Cape. It grows in dry shrubland, from near sea level upwards. Some sites reach about 3,280 feet [1,000 metres] in elevation.

The plant forms low rosettes with no visible stem. These stand about 0.16–0.66 feet [0.05–0.20 metres] tall. Individual rosettes span roughly 0.20–1.31 feet [0.06–0.40 metres]. Underground stolons spread out and produce more plants. Large groups can hold as many as 150 rosettes. A whole clump may reach 3.3 feet [1 metre] across. Short, fleshy roots grow near the soil surface. They take up moisture from soil that is barely wet.

Each rosette holds eight to twelve thick, firm leaves. The leaves sit in two rows, a distichous pattern. Some lie low, while others point upwards. They have a tongue-like shape and a pointed tip. Pale green spots mark the emerald-green leaf surface. These spots often form bands across the leaves. The edges bear very small teeth. Leaf length ranges from 0.07–0.66 feet [0.02–0.20 metres]. Leaf and flower sizes vary across the species' range.

Arching racemes rise well beyond the low leaf rosettes. They can reach 3.9 feet [1.2 metres] long. Exceptional stems reach about 5.4 feet [1.65 metres]. Each raceme carries twelve to forty hanging flowers. The curved blooms face the same way along the stem. LLIFLE describes dull pink flowers with near-white tips. Dark green lines run towards the flared ends. Chicago Botanic Garden lists the bloom colour as orange. The flowers contain nectar. In its native range, flowering runs from November to April. Capsules follow the flowers and split along their edges. The seeds have a flattened shape.

Wild plants grow among rocks, often beneath shrubs or beside stones. Their sites include sandstone, granite, shale and quartz outcrops. The soil is sandy and lets water drain through. Rain falls in winter, and summer heat can be strong. Light winter frosts occur in parts of the habitat. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 10–11 for cultivation. It records dry soil and sun or partial shade. The supplied species sources give no firm pest or disease guidance. They also do not establish edible uses or safety for people and pets.