Astrophytum asterias

Sea Urchin or Sand Dollar Cactus
These four plants are in a 4" pot.

The Astrophytum asterias is a popular spineless cactus. Solitary globular cactus, up to 6 inches in diameter and 6 to 8 ribs. In the wild area of Northeastern Mexico (Nuevo León, Tamaulipas) and southern Texas it is almost extinct, mostly due to habitat destruction. It decreases in size in the wild when lacking water and might be covered with dust during the dry season. The rain makes it swell and washes it, making it ready to enjoy the sunlight. Little water, subject to root rot, keep very dry in winter. Seeds germinate rapidly and some cultivars are grafted for faster growth. Can take up to 6 years to bloom in summer at irregular intervals. The 2 inch wide flowers are yellow with a red center, and sweet scented. They are followed by spineless greyish-red fruits. Plants generally start blooming when they exceed one inch in diameter.

'Super Kabuto' is a Japanese cultivar with extremely abundant flecking. The white flecking is very variable from clone to clone. Be sure to click on the link and take a look at some of these beautiful plants that are being created. You will want to add a couple to your collection, but be careful they are very expensive.