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Scientific name: Astrophytum myriostigma Lem. Vernacular name: Bishop’s Hat Family: Cactaceae Habitat: Central and North Mexico. It grows on the high plains above 2000 metres.
Description:
The name of this species literally means “ star plant” . The round stem is divided by five veins faintly indicated by hairy areas without thorns. The silver grey surface of the plant is covered by minute, white spots which make it glitter in the sun.It is normally a solitary plant when when cultivated, thanks to constant care and a regular addition of nutritive substances, it may flourish, forming a splendid “ cushion of succulent stars” as seen in the photo. The yellow flowers, from 2 to 4 cms. in size, appear continually at the tip of the plant from April to September.
The known varieties of this plant are : Astrophytum myriostigma f.nudum with its dark green epidermis, which is completely without white spots and Astrophytum myriostigma v.columnare whose stem may reach up to one metre in height.
Cultivation:
This plant has been widely grown for years and is often found in gardens. It prefers a predominately mineral-type soil but without humus. The thin, fibrous roots suffer if there is humidity, therefore the plant should be watered only when the surrounding terrain is dry. It should be planted at quite a high altitude and can suffer winter temperatures near to zero on condition that the soil is perfectly dry and the level of humidity is low.
Reproduction:
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