Gasteria is a genus of 23 species of succulent plants indigenous to South Africa with all except one being endemic to South Africa. Closely related genera include Aloe, Astroloba and Haworthia. The genus name Gasteria is named for its stomach-shaped flowers. In Greek, gaster, means belly, and alludes to the swollen base of the perianth tube. The genus is part of the family Asphodeloideae. Common names include cow-tongue cactus, lawyer’s tongue, mother-in-law’s tongue and ox-tongue. Gasteria species are grown in well-drained, sandy soils in light shade. Gasterias thrive in cultivation both indoors and outdoors, used as potted plants or in outdoor rockeries and are tolerant of a wide range of soils and habitats. The flowers attract birds to the garden during spring. With their ability to grow under lower light conditions they are easily grown and maintained in cultivation. Gasterias are used in various traditional medicines. In the Eastern Cape Gasteria excelsa and Gasteria croucheri are said to have magical properties and are occasionally put on the roofs of homes to stop lightning from striking the house. There are also reports that the plants are used during faction fighting in a belief that it will make them invisible to their enemies.

Gasteria acinacifolia is the largest of all Gasteria species. It is at once recognized by its large rosette of linear-lanceolate, spotted leaves, flat-topped flowering panicles and large, tubular flowers rich in nectar, attracting sunbirds during spring. Gasteria acinacifolia is pollinated by sunbirds. Its large fruiting capsules stand erect and its large winged seeds (largest for the genus) are wind dispersed. Its fleshy leaves store water and it is thus drought tolerant and an ideal water-wise garden plant. Gasteria acinacifolia is a South African endemic species found in the Eastern Cape province.

Gasterias, believed to have magical powers, are popular among the traditional healers. Due to its spotted leaves, it is well camouflaged in nature, so if one is washed with the leaves, it is believed that the user will acquire this camouflage.