Xerophyte

Description

Astrophytum myriostigmaSN|1464]]SN|1845]] cv. Kikko (Kitsukou) is a famous Japaese cultivar unmistakable for its pointed tubercles along the ribs edges, in fact its areoles stick out with large notches between them, giving them a saw tooth look.

Flowers

Like those of the well known Astrophytum myriostigmaSN|29675]]SN|1845]], pale-yellow, shining-silk.

Blooming Season

Spring to summer.Remarks There is a considerable confusion surrounding the name “Kikko Alien” which is also used to indicate a chlorophyll less form of Astrophytum asteriasSN|1845]]SN|1464]] cv. Kikko.

Spines

None.

Ribs

Usually 5.

Stem

Pentagonal to almost spherical, dimension up to 20 (or more) cm tall, 5-15 cm in diameter. Epidermis smooth, lacking white flecks, giving a bright green, greyish-green, blue-green or mauve-green colour overall depending on clones.

Other

The Alien type, a.k.a. Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Kikko AlienSN|1845]]SN|29675]] is the only offsetting form of "Kikko nudum". Each tubercle develops a small rudimentary or well formed offset on the tip, making the plants look like chandeliers. These apical offsets often are nothing than small knobs. Growers often call this monstrous proliferating plants "kikko alien". The furrows which appear transversely on the ribs cuts the continuity of the ribs and the plants appears decorated with a geometrical design which is raised above the surface. Usually the young seedlings appears nothing special and looks like normal kikko, and barely shows any trace of proliferation on the tubercles, but they start to produce the distinguishing offsets and turn into an amazing adult as they get 4-5 (or more) years old. In general the bigger the "prolifereations" are, the better.