Xerophyte

Description

Astrophytum asterias cv. AlpusSN|1464]]SN|18011]] is a very nice and distinguishing star shaped and woollier form of Astrophytum asteriasSN|18011]]SN|1464]] cv. Superkabuto. The distinctive characteristic of this cultivars is that the rib-tips (bearing the line of areoles) are more or less deeply seated within the plants body, while the suture line between the ribs is turned outward and more or less expanded. The result is an unique starry-looking white and furry plant. The dilatation of the median lines between areoles varies a lot among specimens and enhances as the plants age, in some cases the suture line expands outward enormously creating odd and unique shapes. When young is quite similar in shape to an ordinary "Super Kabuto".

Distribution

Large dense, white to pale brownish, velvety, almost concealing the epidermis.

Flowers

At the apex from the vegetation point, up to 75 mm in diameter. Yellow with red throat.

Spines

Not any.

Ribs

Generally it has eight flat ribs, rare few or more.

Stem

Non-branched, flat, dark green. Diameter 8-16 cm star shaped. Height 6 or more centimetres. Just flat to the ground surface.

Areoles

Round, cream-colored till brownish up to 6 in diameter. The areoles are normally 10 mm apart, but can be very close one to each other in older specimens.