MINUS var. GLABRUM

This variety was collected in 1934 by E.K. Balls on the Haldizan Dagh, on  the same expedition that the type form was found. Dr. R.S. Wale described this variety along with the type plant in 1940. It has slightly larger rosettes, rather more open in habit than the type during summer months. Rosette leaves are a deep green hue becoming bronze on exposure, base purple; innermost leaves lightly pubescent, glabrous when mature. Apart from the glabrous leaves this variety differs from the type by having a taller stouter flower-stem and a greater number of leaves in rosettes. This variety is no longer under cultivation, but we hope that it will be once again introduced back into cultivation from its original location.

S. minus var glabrum ‘Viridifolium’ (Wale).

This form was also collected in 1934 by E. K. Balls; found growing on Djemil Dagh. Dr. R. S. Wale described this plant at the same time as S. minus typicum and the var. glabrum. The main distinctive feature that separates this form from the type are : rosette leaves narrow, broadly lanceolate and much less fleshy with quite strong marginal cilia, otherwise glabrous except the very juvenile leaves. Unlike the type and var. glabrum, rosette leaves are not purple at the base.

In dry weather the leaves become thin and papery in texture. The floral characteristics are the same as the var. glabrum.

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