Streptocarpus pogonites occurs in the high altitude area near Barberton in Mpumalanga, South Africa which is near the border to Eswatini (former Swaziland). Higher altitude always implies cooler temperatures and therefore more moderate conditions, but Streptocarpus pogonites grows in very exposed sites where even the milder high altitude does not make the conditions under which it grows less extreme.
As the pictures show, it grows close to succulent aloes, that are extremely drought tolerant. It has up to five leaves (130 x 55 mm) and is a typical small rosulate species. Leaf, all stalks and flowers are covered in hairs to reduce moisture loss and to capture moisture from high altitude mists. Its flowers are short (corolla 9-10 mm) with very reduced corolla lobes and are pale creamy white with reddish-violet stripes on the corolla base. This species could be an interesting horticultural subject, but it’s unusual natural environment may make it difficult. In any event, it is not in cultivation at present.
