MANILA, Philippines - Commonly called Star Cacti, the Astrophytums come in six different species. A native of Central and Northern Mexico, one of the species, A. asterias, has also been found growing wild in Southern Texas in the US.

The first species discovered are:

A. asterias ― Known as Sea Urchin or Sand Dollar, it is said to be the most difficult to grow. Similar to the Euphorbia obesa in appearance, it is dome-like with a star-shaped depression, covered with white scales tinged coppery green. The areoles are tufted with white wools having yellow flowers with red throat.

A. capricorne ― Also known as Goat?s Horn, this one has long twisted spines reminiscent of goat?s horns having five to 10 sharp ribs covered with star-like tiny white scales.

A. myriostigma ― The Bishop?s Cap or Bishop?s Hood. Usually having five ribs and covered with a large number of tiny, gray-white scales, it seems to be spineless. At the start it grows globular in appearance but becomes taller with age.

A. ornatum ― Described as Monk?s Hood or False Bishop?s Cap, it starts out globular and goes cylindrical as it ages. The ribs have prominent spines covered with white, wooly spots gathered in feather-like rows.

Other species not so commonly cultured are:

A. wahuilense which is covered with woolly spots;

A. senile, which is just plain looking.

With similarities to Euphorbia obesa and Euph. meloformis, the Astrophytums have been found to evolve similar appearances to other plants adopting in similar environmental conditions.

Being partly tropical, the Astrophytums are quite easy to grow in the Philippines. It is best to grow them in clay pots with sufficient drainage holes. As to potting medium, use one part loamy garden soil, one part coarse river sand, one part compost from humus or rotted leaves and one part burnt rice hull. Place your specimens in an area with sufficient sunlight but protected from heavy rains using transparent plastic roofing. As to watering, keep it slightly moist and let it dry before applying water again. As to fertilizer, you may apply slow release type with balance formulation.

Propagation

Astrophytums can be propagated by stem cuttings or by seeds. It is advisable to do this in summer or during dry months. When your plants are already tall, you can top-cut it; do not wet the cut parts. Let the cut portion dry for about seven to 10 days before planting it. Place your plant in a shady area and when you think it is already growing, transfer the plant to a sunny location.

If you have problems related to gardening, contact the author at 9394593 or 0917-832-1352; e-mail me at mettsplants@yahoo.com.