Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Rounded |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Of horticultural origin. |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Small, round succulent. |
|---|---|
| Stems | The round stem is very shallowly ribbed. It is covered in white, hairy spots known as scales. Some individuals are almost completely white, some have distinct round spots and some have V-shaped spots. |
| Flowers | The funnel-shaped flowers are pale yellow with a dark orange-brown throat. The yellow, numerous stamens (pollen-bearing structures) form a tight column that surrounds the style (female part holding the ovary). The flowers are arranged in small clusters at the top of the cactus. |
| Fruit | The reddish pink fruit is oval to found and covered in soft, furry hairs. |
| Taxonomy | This cultivar is likely a hybrid of Astrophytum asterias, Astrophytum capricorne and possibly other Astrophytum species. The original parent was a mutant Astrophytum asterias which was extensively covered in white, hairy spots, unlike the normal type which only has a few spots. |
| Cultivation | This slow-growing cultivar is one of the most popular among cacti. It requires a mineral rich, well-drained soil. Overwatering will cause the hard surface of the stem to crack. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Stems, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
Foliar
| Foliar Modification | Spine (axillary) |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Funnelform / Funnel-shaped |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Pink, Red |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32996 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 7410 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
