Astrophytum

Astrophytum is a genus of six species of cacti, their native habitat being North America. The listed species are: A. asterias, A. capricorne, A. caput-medusae, A. coahuilense, A. myriostigma and A. ornatum. Hybrids like A. myriostigma var. nudum are also available, and hybrid of A. asterias for example. A. asterias is native to small regions in Texas (United States) and Mexico. Common names include “sand dollar cactus, sea urchin cactus, star cactus and star peyote”. Lots of varieties and hybrids are available on the market. Astrophytum capricorne is one of two species with spines, also known as ‘Goat’s Horn cactus’, very slow growing and native to Mexico. The genus name Astrophytum derives from Greek words “ster” which means “star” and “phyton” which means “plant“, due to the plant’s ribs. The top view is like a star.