Xerophyte

Central Spines

Usually 1 rather larger.

Description

Astrophytum ornatumSN|3660]]SN|3660]] is a shortly columnar cactus appearing star-shaped from above, with white cross bands of wooly scales. It appears to be a very variable species especially for the density and distribution of white scales. It is the largest and easiest to grow and also the fastest of the Astrophytums. It is also generally more heavily spined than other Astrophytums.

Flowers

At apex, large, lemon-yellow 7-12 cm broad, inner perianth segments broadly oblong, with a broad, more or less serrated apex, tube short woolly, scale on ovary, dark and very narrow.

Ribs

It has 5 to 10 (generally 8) straight or frequently spiralling, rather prominent, strongly compressed, more or less sinuate and crenate .

Stem

The stem is solitary, globose when young , cylindric with age, 30 to 120 cm (or more) high, 15-30 cm across, greyish-green to dark-green with more or less dense white or yellow woolly flakes in bands forming an ornate pattern.

Radial Spines

5-11 stout, 2-4 cm long usually straight, subulated or ± laterally compressed, amber yellow, later brown and finally grey.

Areoles

1 to 5 cm apart, at first yellowish-white felted, later grabrescent.