Xerophyte

Description

Astrophytum myriostigmaSN|26113]]SN|1845]] var. nudum (nude form) is very similar to the other myriostigma, it only deviate from the well-known typical form for lacking or mostly lacking white flecks, giving a bright green, blue-green, gray-green or mauve-green color overall depending on clones.

Flowers

5 cm in length, pale-yellow, silk-shining unlike the white-spotted plant, occasionally with an orange gloom.

Blooming Season

Spring or early summer, They take up to 6 years to bloom.

Spines

None.

Ribs

The number of ribs vary from 3 to 8 (usually 5).

Stem

Spherical to shortly columnar with age. The stems is smooth and can be over 20 cm tall and 5-10 cm in diameter and are shaped like a bishop's headpiece or a star.

Other

The pictured form Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum f. pictaSN|1845]]SN|26113]] (also known as cv. Rainbow) has stem variegated with yellow, orange, red and green. It seems to be a pretty variable plant with several and variously shaped clones. These pictured plants are very attractive and highly prized. They are often seen grafted on stronger columnar species, and cannot cannot be easily grown on their own roots. However some clones have enough chlorophyll in their tissues and can be grown on they own roots too, but very slow growing.

Fruits

Dry, dehisces towards the apex forming about 5 star shaped lobes. With few seeds.