Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto Snow Type f. cristata
Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto Snow Type f. cristata
Family
Cactaceae
Genus
Species
Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto Snow Type f. cristata
Author
-
Chinese genus
星球属
Chinese name
-
DescriptionEdit description
Habit
It is usually solitary unless damaged.
Description
Contrarily to the normal Astrophytum asteriasSN|26116]]SN|1464]] cv. Superkabuto that has only a mosaic of small spaced ± rounded white dots the “snow type” differ for the dense white covering of dots that almost conceal the epidermis, this particular form is also called "Snow white", or “White form”. This intense white covering is not seen in most of the normal 'Super Kabuto' seedlings and will change and emphasize as a plant ages.
Flowers
Apical, diurnal, radial, 3-5 cm long, 5-7(-9) cm in diameter opening widely, yellow with orange/red throats.
Blooming Season
Spring to summer and each flower lasts for one or two days only.
Crested Growth
The crested form (Astrophytum asterias var. nudum f. cristataSN|1464]]SN|26116]]) - despite to its beauty - is very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features. It is a small low growing crested cactus that will slowly forms tangled groups up to 30 cm (or more ) in diameter with age. The plant tends to grow seated in substrate, but in cultivation it is almost always seen grafted on columnar cacti. There are several crested clones mainly selected by Asian growers.
Spines
Not any.
Ribs
The ribs are very low, almost flat on top, forming triangular sections with no cross-grooves.
Stem
Much depressed, fan-shaped, mature plants 2-7 cm tall, 5-16 cm broad, smooth completely concealed by tufts of bright white hairy scales.
Areoles
Round, prominent, 3-12 mm in diameters, forming a line up to the centre of each rib, felted to hairy, white till straw-coloured, then grey. Normally 3 to 10 mm apart.