Ooooooh. Ahhhh. Astrophytum myriostigma, a.k.a. Star cactus.
This slow-growing cactus lives to a ripe old age, as far as houseplants are concerned. Happily for me, it tends to stay round and adorable rather than becoming columnar like many cacti; I prefer the rotund habit. Though some cultivars (and some members of the genus in general) may grow better when grafted, the Plain Jane species (A. myriostigma) is a tough cookie. Other common names include "Monk's Hood" and "Bishop's Miter," but let's face it: this little cactus is way too cute to be associated with clergy. Check out Cactus Art Nursery for more of this amazing species.
What else in cactus news? My Opuntia articulata has sprouted a new segment! It split right through the skin and sprang forth fully formed, like Athena from the head of Zeus! I'm really not being histrionic; it was already a freaky cactus before this happened.
Ew. Cool, but Ew.
What else in cactus news? My Opuntia articulata has sprouted a new segment! It split right through the skin and sprang forth fully formed, like Athena from the head of Zeus! I'm really not being histrionic; it was already a freaky cactus before this happened.
Ew. Cool, but Ew.
I'm not sure how I feel having that two-headed monstrosity in the apartment. T'ain't natural. I mean, it completely is natural, but. Come on. It's like the plant version of John Carpenter's "The Thing."
ReplyDeleteThe rotund cacti are the best looking ones and they're easier to photograph, IMO.
ReplyDeleteNice blog you got here.
Thanks, OneSeed! I'm already looking forward to growing my One Seed Chicago plants.
ReplyDeleteDear Boyfriend; the Opuntia stays.