Scientific Name
Astrophytum capricorne (A. Dietr.) Britton & Rose
Common Name(s)
Bishop's Cap, Bishop's Hat, Goat's Horn, Goat's Horn Cactus
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus capricornis, Astrophytum capricorne var. capricorne
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Astrophytum
Etymology
The specific epithet "capricorne" (pronounced "kap-ree-KOR-nee") means "like a goat's horn" and refers to the twisted or curved spines of this species, which resemble goat's horns.
Origin
Astrophytum capricorne is native to northern Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi).
Description
Astrophytum capricorne is a strange-looking cactus with a solitary gray-green stem more or less covered with the typical white, woolly flecks and clusters of long, twisted or curved spines along the ribs. The stem slowly grows and can reach a height of 4 feet (1.2 m) and a diameter of 6 inches (15 cm). It usually has eight ribs and up to 10 spines per areole. The young specimens are spherical but soon become ovoid and eventually columnar. The spines are grey to brown and can grow up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.
The sweet-smelling, yellow flowers with a red center appear in summer and can reach a diameter of 3 inches (7.5 cm). The reddish fruits are covered with flattened spines and can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Goat's Horn Cactus is a desert cactus that loves the sun and will grow well if provided with plenty of direct sunlight. However, young specimens should be provided with indirect sunlight—insufficient light results in poor growth and unnatural shape.
Use soil with good drainage, as this species is rot-prone.
This cactus thrives in average room temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (16°C and 24°C ) from spring until fall. Then, from late fall to late winter, give them a winter rest at temperatures between 45°F and 50°F (7°C and 10°C).
Average indoor humidity is fine for Goat's Horn Cactus. Provide good air ventilation for healthy growth.
During the active growth period, water the Goat's Horn Cactus moderately, but allow the top 3/4 of the mixture to dry out thoroughly between waterings. Give only enough water to prevent the mixture from drying out during the resting period.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Astrophytum.
Varieties
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
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