111 Types of Astrophytum Cacti [With Pictures]

Astrophytum is a genus of cacti that contains six different species. These species are mainly found in North America. You can also grow these cacti on your own.

To figure out how to do this, you can go through this Astrophytum care and propagation guide that we have created for you.

What Is the Common Name of Astrophytum?

The common name of Astrophytum is ‘star cactus’. This name is derived from the Greek origin of this cactus name which translates to ‘star plant’ in English. This name also comes from the fact that they have the shape of a star when you look at it from above.

Another common name of the Astrophytum is also ‘living rocks’ due to their shape. These cacti also have ribs or areoles with small white spikes on them.

Types of Astrophytum Cacti

Related Post:
1,000 Types of Cactuses with Pictures

How Do You Care for Astrophytum?

If you are growing Astrophytum at home, then there are several things you should keep in mind in terms of caring for this cactus. You can go through these care criteria below.

Light

Astrophytum cacti require plenty of sunlight. Thus, if you are growing them on your own, then you should ensure that they receive several hours of direct sunlight. Around six hours of this should be sufficient.

This can be easier if you are growing them outdoors. If you are growing them indoors, you can simply place the pot on a windowsill of your house that receives sufficient sunlight.

Ideally, this cactus should be kept in warm temperatures of over 21℃, although they can withstand colder temperatures as well up to a certain extent. In winters, if weather conditions get too cold, you can move them inside and place them on a window.

These cacti are known to grow in USDA zones 8 and 9.

Watering

You should water your Astrophytum cactus once a month during spring and summer (the growing season), although more than that might also be necessary if you live in extremely hot climates. Make sure you thoroughly water this plant so that the soil becomes well-soaked.

However, make sure that you do not overwater this cactus as this could cause water to collect in the pot. This can then lead to root rot, affecting the health of the cactus as well.

You should let the soil dry up completely before you water the cactus again. During winters, you can water the cactus less often due to its dormancy.

Further, you should ensure that the atmosphere around this cactus is not too humid.

Soil

You can buy a cactus mix for the soil of this cactus. You can also combine any potting soil with some sand. If you can find soil that also contains some peat, then this can be favorable for this cactus.

Generally, the Astrophytum requires well-draining soil that can get rid of the excess water in the pot. A coarse texture of the soil can help out with this.

Fertilizing

You should fertilize this cactus regularly during its growing season. You should ideally use a stable fertilizer that has a good balance of all nutrients. Make sure that you dilute this fertilizer with some water as it can otherwise prove to be too strong for the cactus.

You do not need to fertilize the Astrophytum during winter since it becomes dormant during this season.

Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases are relatively rare in these cacti, but they can sometimes still take place. Some common ones include aphids, scales, mealybugs and scabs. Too much watering can also cause root rot that can damage the growth of the cactus.

If you notice any signs of these pests and diseases, you should try to get rid of them as soon as possible. You can either opt for a store-bought solution or you can simply use a bit of rubbing alcohol on them.

How to Propagate Astrophytum

You can propagate Astrophytum by using seeds. Go through the following steps to get a better idea of the process.

• You should first source the seeds either from a local nursery or online store. You can also directly find these seeds on dry flowers of the same plant.
• It is a good idea to place these seeds in water so that they can soak a bit.
• You can then start off with a flat tray that is filled with the soil mix. Make sure that the soil is moist enough in this case. You can also cover the tray with a sheet to keep some of this moisture and heat in.
• Soon, the seeds will start to germinate into seedlings. You can then keep increasing the amount of sunlight that they receive.
• You can now repot these seedlings into a bigger pot or container. Make sure that this container is well draining as well.
• Cover the pot with the soil mixture and quickly but carefully plant the seedlings in it.
• Follow the above care instructions properly.

Astrophytum Species and Varieties

Astrophytum asterias

Astrophytum asterias (a.k.a. Sea-Urchin Cactus or Sand Dollar) is an extremely flat barrel cactus with a unique and remarkably beautiful form and no typical covering of spines, but with a tiny speckled tuft of hairs less than pinhead-sized. It produces large yellow flowers with orange throats often larger than the plant itself. The common name comes from the resemblance to sea urchin without spines.

Astrophytum asterias f. aurea

Astrophytum asterias f. aurea has pale yellow stems due to the absence (or reduced production) of chlorophyll pigments: every other pigment is present at normal levels, the dominant green coloration is lost, but will still more than likely have normal other pigments that give the yellow overall appearance of the stem.

This form with yellow stems is very attractive and highly prized. This schizochromic form is almost always seen grafted on stronger columnar species, and cannot be grown on its own roots. However some clones have enough chlorophyll in their tissues and can be grown on their own roots too, but very slow-growing.

Astrophytum asterias var. nudum

The Astrophytum asterias nudum form has a very characteristic glabrous stem lacking the white tufts of loose hairy scales typical of the common Astrophytum asterias. The smooth green epidermis shows up in the felty areoles. The plants during cold and dry winter rest often take a nice red coloring.

Astrophytum asterias var. nudum f. rubra

Astrophytum asterias var. nudum f. rubra has bright orange-red stems due to the absence (or reduced production) of chlorophyll pigments: every other pigment is present at normal levels, the dominant green coloration is lost, but will still more than likely have normal other pigments that give the yellow overall appearance of the stem.

This form with red stems is very attractive and highly prized. This schizochromic form is almost always seen grafted on stronger columnar species, and cannot be grown on its own roots. However some clones have enough chlorophyll in their tissues and can be grown on their own roots too, but very slow-growing.

Astrophytum asterias f. proliferum

This cultivar varies from the typical A. asterias for the tendency to branch forming small side pups from the areole.

Astrophytum asterias var. roseiflorum

Astrophytum asterias var. roseiflorum is one of the many forms of the variable Astrophytum asterias. Many of its morphological and geographical variants were early classified as different independent species, but nowadays all this plant are considered part of a multiform species, where each form is linked to others by plants with intermediate characteristics.

Astrophytum asterias var. roseiflorum is a selected form with pink colored flowers instead of yellow. However, very few pink flowered specimens will appear randomly time by time among normal yellow flowered plants.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Akabana

This is an unusual variety, with red blooms, which is very uncharacteristic of this genus and a rarity in collections. This selected cultivar bears beautiful flowers shaded in dark pinkish-red, orange-red, purple or wine-red with usually even darker flower edges. However, very few red-flowered specimens will appear time by time among normal yellow flowered plants and are very rare.

They are sought-after by collectors and are sold (when available) for very high ciphers for that reason. Their traditional source, of course, is Japan but they are also found in European collections too. And also – like for the normal Astrophytum – their flower color tends to increase a darker tone aging.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Alpus

Astrophytum asterias cv. Alpus is a very nice and distinguishing star-shaped and woollier form of Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto. The distinctive characteristic of this cultivar is that the rib-tips (bearing the line of areoles) are more or less deeply seated within the plant’s body, while the suture line between the ribs is turned outward and more or less expanded. The result is a unique starry-looking white and furry plant.

The dilatation of the median lines between areoles varies a lot among specimens and enhances as the plant ages, in some cases, the suture line expands outward enormously creating odd and unique shapes. When young is quite similar in shape to an ordinary “Super Kabuto”.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Elephant Skin

Astrophytum asterias cv. Elephant Skin is a very nice cultivar that combines the peculiar shape of Astrophytum asterias with bumpy elephant-like skin. This cultivar is very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Fukuryiu

Astrophytum asterias cv. Fukuryiu will develop protuberances (like beginnings of ribs) or small extra ribs (more or less prominent ). Usually, these additional ribs will not reach the plant apex. They don’t have areoles, and they develop on the lateral side, sandwiched between two contiguous true ribs.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Godzilla

This is a very odd cultivar that combines the peculiar shape of Astrophytum asterias with bumpy reptile-like skin. This cultivar is very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features. There are several forms mainly selected by Asian growers.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Hakuun

This cultivar varies from the typical A. asterias only for the white flecks that condense, forming characteristic cloud-like patches.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Hanazono

Hanazono kabuto is one of the most famous and peculiar Japanese Astrophytum cultivars. Some additional woolly areoles are produced on the rib’s surface. Flowers buds develop from the median line between two ribs and usually, they are not produced by areoles. This cultivar – despite its beauty – is very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Ikaryoko

Astrophytum asterias cv. Ikaryoko is an odd Japanese cultivar characterized by a lumpy-bumpy monstrous, tubercled, reptile-like skin. This cultivar branches profusely from the side areoles forming a large tangled mound. It is very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features. There are several forms mainly selected by Asian growers.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Kikko

This rare Japanese cultivar has raised tubercles along the rib’s edges, in fact, its areoles stick out with large notches between them, giving them a bumpy look. The furrows which appear transversely on the ribs cut the continuity of the ribs and the plants appear decorated with a geometrical design that is raised above the surface. When viewed from above these plants resemble a tortoise-shell but at a first glance (especially the nude form) resemble some chinned cacti particularly some Gymocalyciums.

Usually, the young seedlings appear nothing special and look like normal asterias, and barely show any trace of raised tubercles, but they start to produce the distinguishing indentation and turn into an amazing adult as they get 3 to 7 years old. In general, the bigger the “teeth” are and the rounder and flatter they are, the better.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Kikko Lizard Skin

Astrophytum asterias cv. Kikko Lizard Skin (a.k.a. Kikko new China form) is an odd-looking form with broad raised tubercles with a Lizard Skin and the plant appears decorated with a geometrical design that is raised above the surface, giving it a bumpy look.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Kikko Nudum

This rare Japanese cultivar has raised tubercles along the rib’s edges, in fact, its areoles stick out with large notches between them, giving them a bumpy look. The furrows which appear transversely on the ribs cut the continuity of the ribs and the plants appear decorated with a geometrical design that is raised above the surface. When viewed from above these plants resemble a tortoise shell.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Mamma Kikko

Astrophytum asterias cv. Mamma Kikko takes its name from the particular shape of the ribs completely divides into tubercles that resemble women’s breasts. When viewed from above the plants appears decorated with a geometrical design which is raised above the surface and resembles a tortoise-shell hence the Japanese word “kikko” that means “Turtle shell” but at a first glace (especially the nude form) resembles some chinned cacti particularly some Gymocalyciums.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Muscle

Astrophytum asterias cv. muscle recognizable for the green ribs with large creamy white areoles and for the abnormal tendency to branch forming small side pups. In cultivation, there are several clones showing various degrees of monstrosity some of them branching like mad. Seems to be a pretty variable plant with several clones. There are also some crested and monstrous forms.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Nisiki (orange)

The variegated cultivar “Astrophytum asterias cv. Nisiki (orange)” has sectors, patches or stripes with distinct shades of orange or pinkish-red.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Nisiki (yellow)

The variegated cultivars “Astrophytum asterias cv. Nisiki (yellow)” has sectors, patches or stripes with distinct shades of yellow.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Ooibo Kabuto

Astrophytum asterias cv. Ooibo Kabuto is a Japanese selected strain with big areoles.
The “Ooibo” is very similar to the standard Astrophytum asterias, but it has very large characteristics and woolly areoles, the color of the wool also varies from pure white to pastel, yellowish, orangish or brownish depending on the clone. So it is easily distinguishable from the common asterias that have relatively small scarcely woolly greys-white areoles.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Rensei

The areoles on the ribs are very close and form an unbroken line, a chain of areoles.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Ruri Kabuto Nisiki (Yellow)

The classical Astrophytum asterias var. nudum ( a.k.a. “Ruri Kabuto”) has a very characteristic glabrous green stem lacking the white tufts of loose hairy scales typical of the common Astrophytum asterias. The smooth green epidermis shows up in the felty areoles. The variegated cultivars “Ruri Kabuto Nisiki (Yellow)” have sectors, patches or stripes with distinct shades of yellow.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Showa

Astrophytum asterias cv. Showa (synonyms ‘Syowa’ or ‘Shinshowa kabuto’) is a classic asterias with very fine petals, cut into shreds. The flowers look quite different for an “Astro” but nice and come in two colors: yellow (classic) and pink-red or orange-red. The latter (discovered by T. Sato) is known as Astrophytum asterias cv. Shinshowa Red.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Star Type

This cultivar only varies from the typical well-known A. asterias for the star-shaped stem instead of rounded.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Super Hanazono

Astrophytum asterias cv. Super Hanazono is one of the most priced and peculiar Japanese Astrophytum cultivars combining the inimitable furry additional areoles of Astrophytum asterias cv. Hanazono with the large mosaic of extensive white spots of Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto. The result is an intensely white and furry plant. In this cultivar, some additional woolly areoles are produced on the ribs surface. Flowers buds develop from the median line between two ribs and usually they are not produced by areoles.

Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto

Astrophytum asterias Super Kabuto with its inimitable fuzzy epidermis is actually the most popular cactus cultivar. It is easily distinguished from the normal Astrophytum asterias by the epidermis, which does not have simple dots, but a mosaic of extensive white spots that make the plant look intensely maculate.

Many different beautiful forms of ‘Super Kabuto’, which differ for the diverse pattern of the spots are now available. It would be difficult to mention them all: they range from completely white forms (‘white-type’), to forms with woolly spots (‘snow-type’), to forms with a maculation like the shape of fly’s wings (‘zebra-type’ or ‘V type’).

Astrophytum asterias cv. Thirteen ribs

Normally Astrophytum asterias seedlings has the standard 8 ribs, while only a small number of them have a few or more ribs. The normal rib number (eight) is very stable in wild specimens, independent of the age of the plant, but in cultivation selected cultivars and hybrids can have from 4 to 13 ribs. The form with thirteen ribs is quite exceptional. This form however looks suspiciously hybridized with other species and probably is not a pure 100% asterias.

Astrophytum capricorne

Solitary globose or columnar cactus with long, curled and spines that look like goat’s horns.

Astrophytum capricorne var. aureum

The spines are golden yellow when young, but as they age become greyish like in the other capricorne.

Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum

Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum is characterized by a sharp-ribbed body, the ribs are the same as Astrophytum capricorne, but the stem is larger bright green and almost bare (lacks white dots)

Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum cv. Hooks

This rare form has unusual spines ending with a hook.

Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum cv. Taiho-gyoku

Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum cv. Taiho, in Japanese speaking taiho-gyoku, is a capricorne with very strong, short flat, and quite impressive spines. Surely the distinctive trait of this cactus is the spines which are less curved but thicker and much more grotesque than other capricornes. Other features are the epidermis that lacks the typical white flakes of astrophytum (nudum) and the large felty areolas.

Astrophytum capricorne var. niveum

Astrophytum capricorne var. niveum is bigger than var. senilis and var. aureum, and its dimension is similar to the standard species.

Astrophytum capricorne subs. senile

Astrophytum senile is a variety of Astrophytum capricorne, differing in its larger stems, which generally lack hair flecks, and are so densely wrapped with soft spines that the body is hardly visible, and looks like a dry grass bundle. Up to date, many botanists don’t recognize the variety rank of this taxon which does not differ conspicuously from the other forms of the species.

Astrophytum capricorne subs. senile cv. Krausii

Astrophytum capricorne subsp. senile cv. Krausii is a variety of Astrophytum senile with pure white spines and a yellow flower but without the typical red throat. It is a stable mutation and comes true from seeds.

Astrophytum capricorne subs. senile cv. Rosa

Astrophytum capricorne var. senile forma rosa is a rather dubious name for a form that produces flowers in shades of peach. It is a cactus so densely wrapped with soft spines that the body is hardly visible and looks like a dry grass bundle.

Astrophytum caput-medusae

Astrophytum caput-medusae has very thin tubercles, which are cartilaginous, smooth, similar to leaves, up to 190 mm in length, and 2 to 5 mm wide. Epidermis covered by stigmas.

Astrophytum caput-medusae f. nudum

Astrophytum caput-medusae f. nudum is the nude form of Astrophytum caput-medusae distinguished by having glossy green cylindrical tubercles almost completely lacking stigmas (squamiform peltate trichomes). There are no other clear distinguishing features, and they must all be regarded as the same species.

Astrophytum coahuilense

Astrophytum coahuilense with five ribs has a surprising similarity to Astrophytum myriostigma. However, it is different in all characteristics regarding flower, fruit, seed and embryo which looks like in all details to Astrophytum capricorne. The differences in flower, fruit, seed and embryo and flecks are constant and permit in any case to distinguish A. coahuilense without problems from A. myriostigma.

Nude plants as in the case of A. myriostigma are unknown.

It looks like the bishop’s cap (A. myriostigma), but softer, more grey flecks that cover the plant even more than with the myriostigma. The flowers are yellow with a characteristic red throat, although can appear pure red or very seldom pure yellow. In the fruit which is red till olive-green colored and basal opening are up to 200 seeds, similar as in the case of Astrophytum capricorne. This plant is more related to the Asterias/capricorne group than the myriostigma.

A. coahuilense and A. myriostigma when cross-pollinated are fruitless: they are (usually) sterile by each other.

Astrophytum coahuilense f. tricostatum

This is a nice cultivar with only three ribs with dense white flecks that cover the stem.

Astrophytum coahuilense cv. Hakuran

Astrophytum coahuilense cv. Hakuran (also known as Astrophytum coahuilense f. monstruosa or “kikko”) is easily distinguishable for its ± wide and long pointed tubercles along the ribs edges. In general, the bigger the “teeth” are and the longer and stiffer they are, the better.

Astrophytum coahuilense cv. Little Flowers

Similar to the standard Astrophytum coahuilense this cultivar has five ribs covered by dense grey flecks, but stems are thinner and columnar with a tendency to branch from the side areoles and will form soon small clumps. The flowers are very small up to 2,5 cm long, pale yellow without the characteristic red throat. For these unusual characteristics, it is thought by some that it could be (perhaps) a cultivar of Astrophytum myriostigma.

Astrophytum myriostigma

Astrophytum myriostigma (many dotted) is a spineless succulent plant, usually solitary or with very few basal branches. A transverse section of the stem reveal a perfect star shaped form (like the common star-fish) giving the plant the appearance of a bishop’s mitre (hence the common name Bishop’s cap)

Astrophytum myriostigma var. bicostatum

Astrophytum myriostigma var. bicostatum has only two ribs. It is indeed quite unstable and rarely maintains the rare characteristic for many years.

Astrophytum myriostigma var. columnare

It has a more columnar growth and smaller flowers size.

Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum

Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum deviate from the well-known typical form for lacking white flecks, giving a bright green, blue-green or mauve-green color overall depending on clones.

Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum f. colorata

This has yellow, orange or red stems due to the absence (or reduced production) of chlorophyll pigments.

Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum cv. Maiden’s Blush

It differs from the standard “nudum” for its mauve-green color overall and shine epidermis.

Astrophytum myriostigma var. quadricostatum

The Astrophytum myriostigma quadricostatum form deviates from the well-known typical form for having four ribs instead of five.

Astrophytum myriostigma var. quadricostatum f. nudum

It has only 4 ribs lacking white flecks, giving a bright green, blue-green or mauve-green color overall depending on clones.

Astrophytum myriostigma f. rubra

It has notches ribs of a bright orange-red color due to the absence (or reduced production) of chlorophyll pigments.

Astrophytum myriostigma var. strongylogonum

A. myryostigma var. strogylogonum is a very beautiful form with a larger flower and rounded, non-angular ribs, unlike typical myriostigmas the 5 fat ribs in adult specimens are always rounded and noticeably curved, making quite a contrast among the other myriostigmas.

With age, horizontal furrows will mark the sides of the ribs as well the midline line between the edges of two contiguous ribs becomes characteristically ondulated. The stems are also usually darker green, strong, compact and flat. However juvenile specimens up to 3-5 years old have sharp ribs and are virtually indistinguishable from other myriostigmas.

Astrophytum myriostigma var. tricostatum

Astrophytum myriostigma var. tricostatum is a strikingly pretty, old cultivar with only three ribs with light or dense white flecks that cover the stem. Nude plants are also known and very appreciated. This cultivar tends to be unstable, and some of the three ribbed specimens develop additional ribs as they age. Old and big plants which maintain the typical three ribbed shape are very very prized.

Astrophytum myriostigma var. tulense

Astrophytum myriostigma var. tulense, is a naturally occurring form of Astrophytum myriostigma distinguished by very columnar stems up to 90 cm tall. This plant has 5 twisted ribs and is covered with a denser white flock, however, the number of ribs is not a stable feature; plants typically add additional ribs as the plant matures, increasing to as many as 10. The tulense variety also has smaller yellow flowers. This taxon is self-sterile. It produces viable seeds only with extra pollination.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Abekobe

It has a chalky-white body, almost completely covered with white flocks.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Double Ribs Nudum

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Double Ribs Nudum is a very rare cultivar that differs from the common Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum for its ribs forming two parallel lines of areoles on each crest.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Dragon

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Dragon has very unusual, bulging, crest-like outgrowths between contiguous ribs. These crest-like outgrowths become more and more raised as the plant age. With time the “crests” will protrude well above the rim of the true ribs with areoles often sunken in the hollow between the crest-like formations. It looks something like an extreme or mutant form of cv. Fukuryu. It is very rare.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Fire Works

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Fire Works is a fascinating cultivar with a very wrinkled appearance, almost “crumpled” and recalling the shape of an Aztekium ritteri. It looks something like an extreme form of Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Fukuryu (type B) nudum but with lovely designs radiating from each areole recalling of a firework scene, hence the name. This fascinating Rampowgyoku (A. myriostigma) has been created by Mr. Kawamura in Japan who first called it Firework.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Fjordhest

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Fjordhest is an almost nude variety lacking, or mostly lacking, white flecks, giving a grey-green or mauve-green color overall depending on sun exposure. In adult specimens, the brown areoles on the ribs become very close and form an unbroken line, a chain of areoles, like in Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Line Areole (“Rensei” in Japanes language).

The line on the ribs in this variety is different from the felty line on the ribs of Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Hakujo because here the line is formed by closely set areoles, while in Hakujo the areoles are more spaced but have a felty line between them so it seems like the areoles are connected with each other. This is apparently not a cultivar from Japan.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Fukuryu reticulatus

It has small very thin, extra ribs each of them with a white felty line on it so it seems like the ribs are connected with each other.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Hakuun

This cultivar only varies from the typical A. myriostigma for the white flecks that condense forming characteristic cloud-like patches. There is also a nude form “Hakuun nudum” that has a cloud-like design on a pure green epidermis.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Hanakago

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Hanakago is an almost nude plant with a very wrinkled appearance, almost “crumpled” and recalling the shape of an Aztekium ritteri. It looks something like an extreme form of Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Fukuryu (type B) nudum.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Huboki

The stems and lateral branches are finger-like 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter, up to12 cm tall. It has white dots that condense at evenly-spaced intervals on the epidermis forming a cloud-like decorative design.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Hubuki

The white dots of “Hubuki” are usually spaced in a uniform manner, while on the contrary those of “Huboki” form white bands.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Kikko

It has pointed tubercles along the ribs’ edges, in fact, its areoles stick out with large notches between them, giving them a saw tooth look.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Koh-yo

Koh-yo is an odd Japanese variety with colorful bodies that take its name from the colors of the leaves in autumn. The old part of the stem is green, but the new growth is bright yellow and red with a wide range of intermediate colors. This cultivar is not a variegate because the yellow and red coloring is not permanent, but occurs prevalently on the new growth near the stem tip and along the ribs, but gradually turn to dark green.

The coloring accentuates during winter dormancy and is greatly influenced by cool temperatures. In spring-summer, the bright colored areas fade and the plant takes a more uniform green appearance. The coloring not only varies during the year, but each individual plant has its own unique particular coloration.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Laimake

It is similar to the cv. Hakuun, but is smaller and more columnar with very dense white flecks that condense forming linear bands and not cloud-like patches.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Lotusland

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Lotusland is a strikingly weird but pretty, old cultivar with dense white flecks that cover bumpy stems (made of grooved ribs and distinct odd tubercles ) that resemble pine cones, eventually forms small 5 ribbed stems with numerous offsets all over the body.

The flowers are numerous yellow, very small and sterile (usually fail to develop and abort at an early stage), but it is supposed by some that it is able to cross-pollinate with Astrophytum coahuilense.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. multicostatum

Plants with more than five ribs, usually the ribs are 6 or 8 but occasionally up to 10 or more.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Onzuka

It has snowy-white, heavily speckled epidermis with fabulous markings much like the ‘kabuto’ asterias. The white marking varies considerably from plant to plant and there exists an enormous number of different designs.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Ooibo nudum

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Ooibo nudum combines the very large woolly areoles of “Ooibo” with the green naked stems of the var. nudum (nude form).

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Sazanami

It has characteristic wave designs or embroidery patterns on the ribs, so it seems like the woolly areoles are connected with each other by small embroidered ripples.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Spiral Ribs

The “Spiral Ribs” is a rare form sought after for its unusual slightly spiraling ribs. In all other characteristics, namely the size and shape of stems, flowers, fruits, roots, etc. it is very similar to the standard species.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Suminagashi

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Suminagashi is one of the rarest myriostigma cultivar, its particularity is to have a nudum marbled skin. The color is grey- or bluish-green with very thin streaks running along the sides, with the “Suminagashi” patterning seemingly hidden in the shade. In the beginning, this was a very popular plant and was traded for considerably large sums of money. Its genes are quite strong and if seedlings are grown, they come true and show the coloration of the parents.

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Yoroi

Astrophytum myriostigma nudum cv. Yoroi is a rare cultivar involving Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Kikko nudum and Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Fukuryu (type B) nudum. It shows both the prominent pointed tubercles along the ribs edges of “Kikko” and the irregular (more or less prominent) supplemental ribs between and on the ribs surface of “Fukuryiu”.

The whole plant shows an irregular sawtooth design that is raised above the surface. This plant is also known as “Green dragon”. The seedling grows into a cactus with a diameter of about 12 cm in diameter.

Astrophytum ornatum

Astrophytum ornatum is a shortly columnar cactus appearing star-shaped from above, with white cross bands of woolly scales. It appears to be a very variable species especially for the density and distribution of white scales. It is the largest and easiest to grow and also the fastest of the astrophytums. It is also generally more heavily spined than other Astrophytums.

Astrophytum ornatum var. glabrescens

Astrophytum ornatum var. glabrescens distinguishes for its stout almost naked dark green stem without (or with very few) white hair-tufts, on the contrary, the white hair-tufts in typical plants are in broad bands, seeming to be hanging from opposing areoles and take a long time in the transition to the adult form.

Astrophytum ornatum var. mirbelii

Astrophytum ornatum v. mirbelii is the more common of the varieties of Astrophytum ornatum already described in 1838 by Lemaire. The stem is stout, very white with the characteristic thick white hair-tufts evenly spread on the body surface, on the contrary, the white hair-tufts in typical plants are in broad bands, seeming to be hanging from opposing areoles and take a long time in the transition to the adult form.

It distinguish also for its golden yellow somewhat shorter spines. Up to date, many botanists don’t recognize the variety rank of this taxon which does not differ conspicuously from the other forms of the species.

Astrophytum ornatum cv. Fukuryu Hania

Astrophytum ornatum cv. Hukuryu Hania is one of the most beautiful Japanese cultivars with ribs irregularly supplied with raised ridges and white linear, woolly areoles.

It appears to be a very variable plant especially for the density and distribution of ridges and white scales, with many forms and has been widely hybridized with other Astrophytum cultivars, giving rise to an infinite range of variation. The whiter and more wrinkled forms are often very pretty and appreciated by collectors.

Astrophytum ornatum cv. Hania

This rare cultivar is a selected form of Astrophytum ornatum. It shows a very peculiar rib shape. The woolly areoles on the ribs have a felty line between them so it seems like the areoles are connected with each other.

Astrophytum ornatum cv. Kikko

Astrophytum ornatum cv. Kikko is a rare cultivar distinguished for its stem entirely split in tubercles, in fact its areoles stick out on long conical notches and could be a mutation much like the Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Lotusland, but much larger and robust with longer tubercles. The epidermis is covered by more or less dense (depending on clone) white flecks that cover the tubercles.

In general, the bigger the “teeth” are and the longer and fatter they are, the better. The stem is solitary and often fails to produce offsets even if it has had its top cut off to encourage the formation of a crown of branches.

Astrophytum ornatum cv. Spiral

Astrophytum ornatum cv. Spiral is a tiny finger-sized cultivar with very particular spiral ribs.