Xerophyte

Description

FUKURYU is a Japanese word that would mean presence of additional ribs (coasts). But the name "Fukuryu" applies to two quite distinct forms

Forma Variegata

The variegated form Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Fukuryu (type B) variegatum has sectors, patches or stripes with distinct shades of yellow or orange. All variegates are mutants. Something has gone wrong with the cellular structure of the growth tip (apical meristem) of the plant. As a result of this mutation, chlorophyll is missing from some or all layers of the plant epidermis. The odd variegate appears in many seedling batches in a small percentage (especially among hybrid seeds) and are generally separated from normal plants. Variegated plants grow slower and are generally smaller than non-variegates of the same species. Coloured areas are also generally weaker, and more susceptible to fungus, sunburn and other defects. A large well grown variegate Astrophytum is truly an achievement. These are harder to grow well than they appear. Plants with variegated stems are often attractive and highly prized.

Other

This form has many irregular (more or less prominent) “warts” between and on the ribs surface. This form is rare and very different.
This is the more common form with small, partially developed extra ribs, usually this additional ribs will not reach the plant apex, they have not areoles and develops on the lateral side sandwiched between two contiguous true ribs.