About Astrophytum myriostigma Lem.
Astrophytum myriostigma Lem. is a spineless cactus. When young, it has between three and seven, most commonly five, prominent vertical ribs that give the plant a star-like shape; this shape is the origin of the genus name Astrophytum, which literally means "star plant". As this cactus matures, it may grow additional ribs, becomes more cylindrical in shape, and can reach a height of 70 to 100 cm (2 ft 4 in – 3 ft 3 in) with a diameter of 10 to 20 cm (4–8 in). In its wild habitat, the globose to cylindrical stem of this cactus is covered in a whitish flocking of trichomes, though some cultivated horticultural varieties do not have this flocking. In the wild, this cactus flowers in early spring, which allows its seeds to germinate with the arrival of summer rains. When grown in cultivation, this flowering timing changes, and plants may instead bloom in summer. Mature plants produce one or more flowers, each 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) in diameter, that grow near the top of the stem. The flowers have numerous tepals that are creamy yellow, and sometimes have an orange or red base at their center. After pollination, flowers develop into a hairy reddish fruit around 2–2.5 cm (0.8–1.0 in) in diameter. Plants of this species can take up to six years to produce their first flowers. Astrophytum myriostigma is commonly grown as an ornamental plant for cactus collections.
