Xerophyte

Central Spines

Usually 1 rather larger.

Description

Astrophytum ornatumSN|12948]]SN|3660]] is a shortly columnar cactus appearing star-shaped from above, with white cross bands of woolly scales. It is the largest and easiest to grow and also the fastest of the astrophytums. The crested form Astrophytum ornatum f. cristatumSN|3660]]SN|12948]] is still very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features. There are several crested forms mainly selected by Asian growers.

Flowers

At apex, large, lemon-yellow 7-12 cm broad, inner perianth segments broadly oblong, with a broad, more or less serrated apex, tube short woolly, scale on ovary, dark and very narrow.

Ribs

Straight, rather prominent, strongly compressed, more or less sinuate and crenate.

Stem

Fan shaped, depressed centrally along the lime meristem, greyish-green to dark-green with more or less dense white or yellow woolly flakes in bands forming an ornate pattern.

Radial Spines

5-11 stout, 2-4 cm long usually straight, subulated or ± laterally compressed, amber yellow, later brown and finally grey.

Areoles

1 to 5 cm apart, at first yellowish-white felted, later grabrescent.