Astrophytum Myriostigma Collector’s Budget Set – The "Bishop's Cap" Collection

This specially curated budget set offers a comprehensive look into the fascinating world of Astrophytum myriostigma. Perfect for enthusiasts and new collectors alike, this set features eight distinct cultivars, each showcasing a unique genetic variation of this iconic species.

Technical History & Origin of Astrophytum myriostigma

Astrophytum myriostigma, commonly known as the "Bishop’s Cap" or "Bishop’s Mitre," was first described by the French botanist Antoine Lemaire in 1839. Its name is derived from the Greek words astron (star) and phyton (plant), while the specific epithet myriostigma translates to "many-marked" or "myriad dots," referring to the thousands of tiny white scales (trichomes) that cover its epidermis.

• Origin: Native to the high-altitude Chihuahuan Desert in Northern and Central Mexico, these plants grow on rocky limestone slopes at elevations between 750 and 1,500 meters.
• Adaptation: In the wild, the white dots serve as a sophisticated defense mechanism, reflecting intense UV radiation and providing camouflage against the limestone gravel.
• Botanical Significance: Unlike most cacti, A. myriostigma is entirely spineless. It typically grows with five ribs, though through centuries of evolution and decades of selective breeding (primarily in Japan), specialized forms with three to eight ribs and unique skin textures have been stabilized.

The "Budget Set" Cultivars:

1. AM026 - Astrophytum myriostigma Nudum: A smooth, spineless variety where the "myriad dots" are absent, revealing a deep, velvet-green skin.
2. AM025 - Astrophytum myriostigma Nudum cv. KIKKO: Named after the Japanese word for "tortoise shell," this cultivar features deep, jagged horizontal notches along the ribs.
3. AM032 - Astrophytum myriostigma (Standard): The classic form, densely covered in white trichomes, giving the plant a stunning silver, stone-like appearance.
4. AM018 - Astrophytum myriostigma cv. ONZUKA: A legendary Japanese cultivar characterized by larger, snowy-white markings that often form "V" shapes or complex "Onzuka" patterns.
5. AM029 - Astrophytum myriostigma Nudum cv. FUKURYU: A "monstrose" mutation featuring extra "bumps" or mini-ribs between the main ribs, creating a highly textured, mountainous look.
6. AM006 - Astrophytum myriostigma quadricostatum: A geometric variation that produces only four ribs, creating a perfect square-star silhouette.
7. AM005 - Astrophytum myriostigma quadricostatum Nudum: A minimalist's favorite, combining the rare four-ribbed structure with the smooth, dotless "Nudum" green skin.
8. AM014 - Astrophytum myriostigma nudum KOHYO: A rare variegated form (often called Kou-you in Japan), known for developing brilliant yellow, orange, or pink pigments, especially during seasonal temperature shifts.

Product Details:

• Sold as a Set: This product is sold exclusively as a set of eight plants, offering an immediate and diverse collection.
• Waterproof Tags: To ensure your collection remains organized, every plant is shipped with a durable, green waterproof tag. These tags include the botanical name, cultivar, and SKU number, ensuring your records stay intact even in high-humidity greenhouses or during watering.
• Care Level: Low. These are hardy, slow-growing plants that thrive in bright light and well-draining mineral soil.

Bring home the geometric perfection of Mexico's most famous "Star Plant" with this complete Bishop’s Cap set!