Xerophyte

Description

Astrophytum myriostigma cv. SuminagashiSN|1845]]SN|17934]] is one ot the rarest myriostigma cultivar, its particularity is to have a nudum marbled skin. This peculiar hekiran (Japanese name for Astrophytum myriostigmaSN|1845]]SN|1845]] var. nudum) is a creation of Mr Matsuki, who lives in the Saitama area (Japan). It's also called "Sumifu hekiran" and "Kiganjo hekiran". The colour is grey- or bluish-green with very thin streaks running along the sides, with the “Suminagashi” patterning seemingly hidden in the shade. In the begining this was a very popular plant and was traded for considerably large sums of money. Its genes are quite strong and if seedlings are grown, they come true and shows the colouration of the parents.

Derivation of Name

This plant has been named "Suminagashi" because its skin has the same effect as an ancient Japanese technique of drawing called Suminagashi (墨流し). Suminagashi, which means "floating ink" in Japanese, is a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce patterns similar to smooth marble or other stone. The patterns are the result of colour floated on either plain water or a viscous solution known as size, and then carefully transferred to an absorbent surface, such as paper or fabric. The oldest example of Japanese Suminagashi appears in the 12th-century.

Flowers

Like those of the well known Astrophytum myriostigmaSN|17934]]SN|1845]], pale-yellow, shining-silk.

Blooming Season

Spring to summer.

Spines

None.

Ribs

Usually 5.

Stem

Pentagonal, dimension up to 20 (or more) cm tall, 5-15 cm in diameter. Epidermis smooth, lacking white flecks, finely marbled with bright green, greyish-green, blue-green or mauve-green.