Xerophyte

Description

Astrophytum asterias cv. Mamma KikkoSN|26214]]SN|26214]] take it name from the particular shape of the ribs completely divides in tubercles that resemble women breasts. When viewed from above the plants appears decorated with a geometrical design which is raised above the surface and resemble a tortoise-shell hence the Japanese word kikko (or 'Kitsu-kow') that means "Turtle shell" but at a first glace (especially the nude form) resembles some chinned cacti particularly some Gymocalyciums. Seems to be a pretty variable plant with several clones.

Tubercles

1-2 cm broad, breast-like, well separated, dome-shaped to truncate, green to dull olive-green. Usually the young seedlings appear nothing special and barely shows any trace of breast-like tubercles, but they start to produce the distinguishing tubecles and turn into an amazing adult as they get 3 to 5 years old. In general the bigger the "breasts" are and the rounder they are, the better.

Flowers

Like those of the well known asterias yellow with a red throat. They take up to 6 years to bloom.

Blooming Season

Spring to summer.

Spines

None.

Ribs

Usually 8, completely dissolved into tubercles.

Stem

Spherical flattened usually non-branched, 8-16 cm in diameter and 2-6 cm in height. Epidermis scattered with minuscule loose hairy scales. The scales are sprinkled over the stem in irregular patterns, sometimes arched around the areoles or on line. Cultivated plants possess sometimes very dense and big hairy scales. There are also completely flake free pure green specimens.

Areoles

Round, woolly, at the apex of tubercles, often sunken, cream-colored till white hairy up to 6 (3-12) mm) in diameter. The areoles are normally set in a separation up to 1-2 cm.