Xerophyte

Description

“Kikko” is an unmistakable Japanese cultivars easily recognizable for its pointed tubercles along the ribs edges, in fact its areoles stick out with large notches between them, giving the plant a saw tooth look. When viewed from above these plants resemble a tortoise-shell hence the Japanese word 'Kitsu-kow' that means "Turtle shell" but at a first glance (especially the nude form) resembles some chinned cacti particularly some Gymocalyciums. The “quadricostatum” form deviates from the well-known typical form for having four ribs instead of five.rounder and flatter they are, the better. All species of Astrophytum (excluded Astrophytum caput-medusaeSN|3593]]SN|3593]]) have their particular "kikko" variants.

Flowers

Up to 5 cm wide (or more), arising from the areole at the tip of the stem on mature plant, pale-yellow, shining-silk, like those of the standard Astrophytum myriostigma.

Blooming Season

Spring to late summer. They take up to 6 years to bloom.

Spines

None.

Ribs

4, deeply toothed with transversely furrows which cut the continuity of the ribs, and the plants appears decorated with a geometrical design which is raised above the surface.

Stem

Quadrangular to almost spherical, the plants may become shortly columnar with age. The stems can be over 90 cm tall and 5-10 (-20) cm in diameter. Usually the young seedlings appears nothing special and looks like normal myriostigma, and barely shows any trace of saw teeth, but they start to produce the distinguishing indentation and turn into an amazing adult as they get 3 to 7 years old. In general the bigger the "saw teeth" are and the rounder and flatter they are, the better.