Xerophyte

Description

It forms large low clusters of white textured monstrous and crested stems, and the plant looks more like some non-cactus succulent than a cactus. These plants show different crested and monstrous shapes. There are several crested forms mainly selected by Asian growers. The cause of monstrosity and cristation. The cause of anomalous form of growth is not fully explained. Biologists disagree as to why some Astrophytum grow in this unusual form. Some speculate that it is a genetic mutation. Others say it is the result of a lightning strike or freeze damage, but whatever the stimulus, the growth point of the stem has switched from a geometric point, to a line, which folds and undulates as the crest expands. Though these crested cacti are somewhat rare (1 in 50,000 or less), cresting occurs naturally and can be encountered in many other cactus species.