Astrophytum

Family Cactaceae. Native range - Mexico. The genus Astrophytum includes more than 25 species and varieties, which are mostly distributed in Mexico and the USA (state of Texas). Astrophytum species are also called star cacti; this is clearly related to their appearance. The genus name comes from Greek asteroc - star and phyton - plant.

Астрофитум украшенный - Astrophytum ornatum - the stem has 8 ribs and silvery streaks of speckles; the spines are straight and long, from 5 to 11 in number, up to 3 cm long, yellow-brown in color. Flowers are pale yellow in older plants, flower diameter 7-9 cm.

In the variety A. o. virens the stem is completely green, without speckles. A. o. espiralis has spirally twisted ribs, in А. о. neveum the stem is covered with dense white fuzz. A. o. pentacantus has only 5 spines.

Астрофитум козерогий - Astrophytum capricorne - has unique, whimsically curved spines resembling goat horns and light speckles on a dark green stem. The stem can reach 20-25 cm in length and 12 cm in diameter, without side shoots. Up to 9 well-defined ribs on the stem. Areoles with light-gray fuzz. Spines up to 7 cm long, brown or gray. Flowers yellow, up to 8 cm in diameter.

In the variety А. с. crassispinoides the trunk is covered with white speckles. А. с. major has numerous silvery speckles and almost black spines.

Астрофитум многорыльцевый (или крапчатый) - Astrophytum myriostigma - is considered the most widespread and undemanding of the Astrophytum. The stem shape resembles a sea star. The number of pronounced ribs is usually 5. The stem is globular, slightly elongated, color from pale green to gray. No spines. Flowers yellow, up to 6 cm in diameter.

based on materials from the website www.iplants.ru