Introduction to Astrophytum myriostigma: Get to know this cactus plant

Morphological characteristics of Astrophytum myriostigma

Genus Astrophytum. The plant is spherical, with older plants becoming slender and cylindrical. The body is 10-20 cm in diameter, with 3-9 distinct ribs, mostly 5. The areoles on the ribs have no spines, but bear brownish woolly hairs. The grayish-white body is densely covered with white star-shaped hairs or small scales. Flowers are borne on the areoles at the top of the body, funnel-shaped, yellow or with a red center. The three-ribbed "Triangular Astrophytum myriostigma" is relatively rare and valuable, while the four-ribbed "Four-angled Astrophytum myriostigma", also called four-sided jade, has four broad ribs evenly and symmetrically arranged, and is also quite interesting.

The plant is solitary, initially spherical, later growing into a cylindrical shape, 16-18 cm in diameter.

Up to 50-60 cm tall, with 5 relatively tall ribs, the body forming a symmetrical five-pointed star shape; large plants can increase to 6-8 ribs. The grayish-blue-green body is densely covered with tiny white star-like dots. From spring to summer, funnel-shaped orange-yellow flowers are borne at the top, 4-5 cm in diameter.

Growing environment of Astrophytum myriostigma

Native to Mexico. It prefers a cool, sunny environment, and also needs ample light in summer. It requires well-drained, lime-rich sandy soil.

Variety classification of Astrophytum myriostigma

Astrophytum myriostigma is a famous representative species of the cactus family genus Astrophytum, native to Texas in the United States. Astrophytum myriostigma can undergo some intergeneric hybridization, and the original species has many variant types. Some countries have done a great deal of work in breeding these two varieties, such as the "Super Kabuto, Yamamoto Kabuto, Kikko Kabuto, Hanazono Kabuto" selected in Japan, as well as "Onzuka Astrophytum myriostigma, red-leaf Astrophytum myriostigma" and so on, and the "Kabuto nishiki, Hekiho-gyoku" and others selected in China.

Main value of Astrophytum myriostigma

It can be seen that its horticultural value is relatively high, and its ornamental value is equally high. It is a prized collectible favored by botanical gardens and succulent enthusiasts. Because these plants have a very low propagation rate and relatively great variability, it is very difficult to preserve the various horticultural varieties. Using tissue culture methods may be an effective way to solve the propagation and germplasm preservation of the various horticultural varieties of Astrophytum and Astrophytum myriostigma, and it also has significance for protecting endangered plants. There have been no reports of successful tissue culture of this plant in China or abroad.