Astrophytum asterias
Astrophytum asterias | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Cactaceae |
Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
Genus: | Astrophytum |
Species: | A. asterias
|
Binomial name | |
Astrophytum asterias |
Astrophytum 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.
Description
A. asterias is small, round, spineless and squat, reaching a height of 2.5–6 cm (1–2 in) and a diameter of 5–15 cm (2–6 in). Green to pink oval fruits are produced; the outside coat is covered with woolly hairs.
Biology
Reproduction takes place via sexual outcrossing through cross-pollination; star cacti reach sexual maturity after a few years, when they have attained 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) in diameter.[5] Flowers are produced from March to June (the summer season in its native habitat) and fruiting occurs from April to June. The primary pollinators of A. asterias are medium to large size bees with one species, Diadasia rinconis being the most effective.[7]
Distribution and habitat
Star cactus is native to the lower
Previously more abundant, this species is today restricted to a small portion of Starr County, Texas,[9][10] and a few localized sites in Tamaulipas.[11] Today this species is associated with thorn scrub, amongst rocky ground; it may have previously occupied richer, flat grasslands that have since been developed.[5] It has probably been extirpated from Nuevo León.[10]
Cultivation
Sand Dollar Cactus has been grown as a houseplant[12] since the 1840s,[5] like other members of its genus and despite its rarity in the wild. It is readily propagated from seed,[5] so most plants encountered in nurseries are seed grown. The popularity of this species among collectors and enthusiasts has ensured that a number of cultivars are available. One such cultivar is the 'Super Kabuto', a clonally propagated variety whose large trichomes congregate into dense spots, arranged in a striking pattern.
Conservation
As with certain other slowly maturing cacti, A. asterias is listed as
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service have drafted a Recovery Plan in an attempt to secure the future of this species.[9] The Recovery Plan highlights the need to protect existing populations, carry out research into possible new populations and to develop a formal conservation agreement between the United States and Mexico.[9]
References
This article incorporates text from the
- ^ . Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Archived from the original on 5 December 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
- ^ a b "Astrophytum asterias". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 7 August 2010.
- ISBN 978-1-60344-108-7. Archivedfrom the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g Anderson, E.F., Arias Montes, S. & Taylor, N.P. (1994) Threatened Cacti of Mexico. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. - via ARKive
- ^ a b c d "Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias)". Wildlife Fact Sheets. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Archived from the original on 26 July 2010. Retrieved 7 August 2010.
- S2CID 85845544.
- ^ IUCN Red List Archived 4 March 2011 at the Wayback Machine (February 2003)
- ^ a b c d e Star Cactus Draft Recovery Plan (February, 2003) https://web.archive.org/web/20030419193014/http://ifw2es.fws.gov/Documents/R2ES/DRAFT_FR_Star_Cactus_Recovery_Plan_10-17-02.pdf - via ARKive
- ^ a b c Astrophytum asterias. Archived 31 August 2005 at the Wayback Machine The Nature Conservancy.
- ^ Arkive factsheet Archived 8 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine (citing personal communication with Dr Nigel Taylor, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).
- ISBN 978-0-02-632070-2. Archivedfrom the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ a b CITES (February, 2003) www.cites.org - via ARKive
- ^ Terry, M.; D. Price; J. Poole (2007). "A Tale of Two Cacti - The Complex Relationship between Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) and Endangered Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias)" (PDF). Southwestern Rare and Endangered Plants: Proceedings of the Fourth Conference: 115–121. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2010.
External links
- star-cactus/astrophytum-asterias Astrophytum asterias media from ARKive
- (in French) Astrophytum asterias on Astroweb
- (in German) Astrophytum asterias on Astrobase
- (in English) photos on www.cactiguide.com
- (in French) photos on www.AIAPS.org