Xerophyte

Forma Rubra

The red schizochromic form (Astrophytum asterias var. nudum f. rubraSN|26115]]SN|26115]]) has bright orange-red stems due to the absence (or reduced production) of chlorophyll pigments

Tubercles

The tubercles are deltoid orange red to dark purple with no spines. They are more long than wide, closely packed and divergent, sharply angled apically.

Flowers

These plants have a woolly crown, from which emerge bright pink-violet flowers up to 2.5-5 cm, 2 times wider than long when fully expanded. Flowers are diurnal and last for 3 to 4 days.

Blooming Season

Mid-September onwards.

Stem

Usually solitary, rarely giving rise to side shoots from old areoles, flattened on top, depressed centrally.

Fruits

White with lots of seed.

Areoles

The tubecles forms a central longitudinal areolar groove extending to the tips on the adaxial surfaces of the tubercles, woolly, 1-3 mm wide, 5-10 mm long.