Gasteria is a genus of relatively rare, ​aloe-like succulents. It sometimes goes by the colloquial name "ox tongue," after the long, rough texture of the leaves. The plant is named for the sac-like shape of its flowers which resemble a stomach.
The genus is native to South Africa, where it grows in lightly shaded conditions with excellent drainage. As a result, the plant tolerates lower light conditions than most other well-known succulents, making them very good houseplants. Depending on the species, gasteria leaves are often marked with interesting patterns and coloration. The G. verrucosa species also has wart-like protrusions on its leaves.
