Tulista is a genus of dwarf, succulent plants, that was previously included in Haworthia subgenus Robustipedunculares. Based on evidence from molecular research on the relationships at generic level among the alooids, the genus Haworthia was split into 3 segregate genera, which roughly correspond to the previously recognized subgenera. The meaning of the name Tulista is unclear.

Members of the genus Tulista are characterised by their small, stemless rosettes of succulent leaves that are generally larger than those of the other haworthioids (Haworthia and Haworthiopsis species). Fibres are completely absent from the leaves of all species and the leaf exudate is yellow. Leaf characters vary among the different species of Tulista, as well as within a species, in terms of colour and texture. Plants are usually solitary or occasionally suckering to form small clumps.

Among the haworthioid genera, Tulista has the most robust inflorescences, which are generally well branched. In bud the flowers are carried erect, but when the flowers open, they are disposed horizontally or at an angle. Flowers are bilabiate (with a fairly distinct upper and lower lip), with a straight tube, slightly recurved tips, and are generally white or whitish, with a pink or brownish green central vein on the tepals (flower leaves). The flower tube has a wide base and joins the flower stalk (pedicel) quite abruptly (flower tube not narrowing towards the pedicel as in Haworthia and Haworthiopsis).

Tulista species mostly flower in spring and summer in the southern hemisphere. The 3-chambered fruit capsules dry and split open to reveal the flattish, yellowish brown to dark brown seed. Plants are perennial, relatively slow growing, and have a fairly long lifespan, surviving for up to several decades in nature or in cultivation.

Fig. 2. Tulista pumila near Worcester, showing dried remains of robust inflorescences. (S.D. Gildenhuys)