Scientific Name
Astrophytum asterias 'Super Kabuto'
Synonym(s)
Astrophytum asterias 'Superkabuto'
Common Name(s)
Silver Dollar Cactus, Texas Star Cactus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Astrophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "asterias" (pronounced "ass-TEER-ee-as") means "starfish; star-like" and refers to the overall star-like or sea-urchin-like appearance of the stems when viewed from above.
The cultivar epithet 'Super Kabuto' combines the English word super with the Japanese word kabuto, meaning "samurai helmet", referring to the cultivar's exceptionally dense, mosaic-like white flecking, which enhances the resemblance of the stem to a traditional Japanese samurai helmet.
Description
Astrophytum asterias 'Super Kabuto' is an attractive small cactus with a solitary, spherical, apically depressed stem with usually eight ribs and a distinctively speckled appearance. The stem is adorned with white extra-areolar hair tufts and a mosaic of extensive white spots. It is one of the most popular cactus cultivars, with many forms and spot patterns available.
In spring, Astrophytum asterias 'Super Kabuto' produces yellow flowers with orange-red centers. The flowers can reach a diameter of 3 inches (7.5 cm).
Origin
Astrophytum asterias 'Super Kabuto' is a cultivar of Astrophytum asterias. It was found in 1981 by the Japanese Masaomi Takeo in an American garden center and sold to Tony Sato.
How to Grow and Care for Astrophytum asterias 'Super Kabuto'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Astrophytums are not vigorous plants and require considerable patience to reach their full potential. Water and feed them regularly during the growing season, and repot annually to give them space to develop. They require a temperate, dry winter, and it's essential not to overwater them to prevent root rot. They will develop marvelous flowers if given sufficient care once they reach maturity. Watch out for common cactus pests like aphids and scale, as well. These can often be taken care of by a good, eco-friendly pesticide or wiped away with a cloth.
Repot regularly to help them develop. Astrophytums should be repotted at the beginning of the growing season for best results, allowing them to grow into the impressive specimens the genus is known for. Protect your hands before repotting due to the plant's stiff spikes. Lift the plant out all at once, then replace it in a larger pot and backfill with soil. Don't overwater or overfeed newly repotted cacti, as disturbances can be hard on them.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Astrophytum.
Links
- Back to genus Astrophytum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
