Astrophytum ornatum f. cristatum
( = forma cristata )
Family
Cactaceae
Genus
Species
Astrophytum ornatum f. cristatum
Author
hort.
Chinese genus
星球属
Chinese name
-
Accepted
DescriptionEdit description
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.