Astrophytum myriostigma Lem. Vernacular name: Bishop's Cap

Description

The name of the genus literally means "star plant". The spherical stem is usually divided into five sharp ribs, barely marked by woolly, spineless areoles. The silvery-grey epidermis is covered with tiny white dots which make it almost glitter in the sun. In habitat it is normally a solitary plant, whereas in cultivation, thanks to constant care and a regular supply of nutrients, it may form offsets, giving rise to splendid "cushions of succulent stars", as in the specimen photographed. The yellow flowers, varying in size from 2 to 4 cm, appear continuously at the top of the plant from April to September. Several varieties are known: Astrophytum myriostigma f. nudum, with a dark green epidermis entirely without white dots; Astrophytum myriostigma v. columnare, whose stem may lengthen with age to as much as 1 metre in height.

Cultivation

a plant that has been very widespread for years, it can easily be found at many garden centres. It prefers soils without humus, of a predominantly mineral composition. The thin, fibrous roots suffer if moisture stagnates, so watering should be repeated only when the soil has dried out again. A high-altitude plant, it can withstand temperatures close to zero in winter, provided the soil is perfectly dry and the air humidity low.

Propagation

Mainly from seed. Taking cuttings from a clump-forming specimen is almost a crime and, moreover, the cuttings root with great difficulty.