- Astrophytum asterias
Taxobox
name = "Astrophytum asterias"
status = VU | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum =Plant ae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo =Caryophyllales
familia = Cactaceae
subfamilia =Cactoideae
tribus =Cacteae
genus = "Astrophytum "
species = "A. asterias"
binomial = "Astrophytum asterias"See text."Astrophytum asterias" is an attractive, spineless cactus also known as a Sand Dollar Cactus, a Sea Urchin Cactus, and also as Star Peyote. They are typically small, often 2-6 inches in diameter and usually 1-2 inches tall. In the wild, they flower throughout most of the summer season.
As with certain other slowly maturing cactus, the Astrophytum asterias has been listed as endangered [ [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/starcac/ Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias) ] ] , and its decline in the wild has been largely attributed to over-collection and poaching. Other contributing factors are thought to be urban development and herbicides.
Fortunately, the cactus is readily propagated by seed, and its rarity in the wild ensures that most such plants encountered in nurseries are seed grown. The popularity of this species among collectors and enthusiasts has ensured that a number of cultivars are available. One such cultivar is the "Super Kabuto", a highly spotted white clone.
References
External links
* [http://cp34.free.fr/astrophytum-asterias.htm "Astrophytum asterias" on Astroweb]
* [http://astrobase.de/Start/Htmls/spezies1.html "Astrophytum asterias" on Astrobase]
* [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/starcac/ "Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias)"] . 25/2/2007.
* [http://cactiguide.com/cactus/?genus=Astrophytum&species=asterias photos on www.cactiguide.com]
* [http://www.aiaps-photos.org/recherche_simple.php?a=r&t=s&motsclefs=astrophytum%20asterias photos on www.AIAPS.org]
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