Astrophytum
Encyclopedia
Astrophytum is a genus
of six species of cacti
. These species are sometimes referred to as living rock
s, though the term is also used for other genera, particularly Lithops
(Aizoaceae
). The generic name is derived from the Greek
words άστρον (astron), meaning "star," and φυτόν (phyton), meaning "plant."
There are a number of species synonyms sometimes seen:
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
of six species of cacti
Cactus
A cactus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae. Their distinctive appearance is a result of adaptations to conserve water in dry and/or hot environments. In most species, the stem has evolved to become photosynthetic and succulent, while the leaves have evolved into spines...
. These species are sometimes referred to as living rock
Living rock
Living rock can refer to dwarf succulent plants resembling stones, especially of the genera:*Ariocarpus*Astrophytum*Aztekium*Epithelantha*Geohintonia*Lithops*Lophophora*Obregonia*Turbinicarpus*Strombocactus...
s, though the term is also used for other genera, particularly Lithops
Lithops
Lithops is a genus of succulent plants in the ice plant family, Aizoaceae. Members of the genus are native to southern Africa. The name is derived from the Ancient Greek words λίθος , meaning "stone," and ὄψ , meaning "face," referring to the stone-like appearance of the plants...
(Aizoaceae
Aizoaceae
The Family Aizoaceae or Ficoidaceae is a taxon of dicotyledonous flowering plants containing 135 genera and about 1900 species. They are commonly known as stone plants or carpet weeds. Species that resemble stones or pebbles are sometimes called mesembs...
). The generic name is derived from the Greek
Greek language
Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages. Native to the southern Balkans, it has the longest documented history of any Indo-European language, spanning 34 centuries of written records. Its writing system has been the Greek alphabet for the majority of its history;...
words άστρον (astron), meaning "star," and φυτόν (phyton), meaning "plant."
Species
- Astrophytum asteriasAstrophytum asteriasAstrophytum asterias is a species of cactus in the genus Astrophytum, and is native to small parts of Texas in the United States and Mexico. Common names include Sand Dollar Cactus, Sea Urchin Cactus, Star Cactus and Star Peyote....
(Zucc.Joseph Gerhard ZuccariniJoseph Gerhard Zuccarini was a German botanist, Professor of Botany at the University of München. He worked extensively with Philipp Franz von Siebold, assisting in describing his collections from Japan, but also described plants discovered in other areas, including Mexico.-References:...
) Lem.Charles Antoine LemaireCharles Antoine Lemaire , was a French botanist and botanical author, noted for his publications on Cactaceae....
– Sand Dollar Cactus, Sea Urchin Cactus, Star Peyote - Astrophytum capricorneAstrophytum capricorneAstrophytum capricorne also known as the Goat's horn cactus has more spines than most Astrophytum species.- External links : . 25/2/2007....
(A.Dietr.) Britton & Rose – Goat's Horn Cactus - Astrophytum caput-medusae D.R.Hunt
- Astrophytum coahuilense (Møller) K.Kayser
- Astrophytum myriostigmaAstrophytum myriostigmaAstrophytum myriostigma is a species of cactus native to the highlands of northeastern and central Mexico....
Lem. – Bishop's Cap Cactus, Bishop's Hat, Bishop's Mitre Cactus - Astrophytum ornatumAstrophytum ornatumThis is the tallest of the Astrophytum cacti. The place of origin of this cactus is on the central plateau of Mexico. An established plant is cold tolerant to the mid to low twenty degrees Fahrenheit. Also called the Monk's Hood, Astrophytum ornatum is the largest Astrophytum species. It is a...
(DC.) Britton & Rose – Monk's Hood
Synonymy
The genus has several synonyms:- Astrophyton Lawr., orth. var.
- Digitostigma Velazco & Nevárez
- Maierocactus E.C.Rost
There are a number of species synonyms sometimes seen:
| Name | Synonym of |
| Astrophytum columnare | Astrophytum myriostigma |
| Astrophytum crassispinoides | Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinoides |
| Astrophytum glabrescens | Astrophytum ornatum |
| Astrophytum niveum | Astrophytum capricorne var. niveum |
| Astrophytum nuda | Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum |
| Astrophytum prismaticum | Astrophytum myriostigma |
| Astrophytum senile | Astrophytum capricorne |
| Astrophytum tulense | Astrophytum myriostigma |