Petar43 · CC BY-SA 3.0
About
Known by common names such as bishop's cap cactus or bishop's miter cactus, *Astrophytum myriostigma* is a popular ornamental cactus prized for its distinctive star-like appearance when young. It is a spineless plant that grows into a cylindrical form, often featuring a whitish, velvety flocking.
Field notes
Morphology
The cactus is spineless and defined by three to seven (usually five) pronounced vertical ribs, giving it a star-like shape when young. As it matures, it becomes more cylindrical, reaching heights of 70–100 cm and diameters of 10–20 cm. The stem is typically covered in a whitish flocking of trichomes, though some horticultural varieties lack this feature. Flowers are creamy yellow with an orange or red base, and the resulting fruit is a hairy reddish sphere about 2–2.5 cm in diameter.
Distribution & habitat
Highlands of northeastern and central Mexico.
Habitat
- Altitude
- —
- Altitude Class
- —
- Native To
- Mexico
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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