Xerophyte

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.