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Astrophytum myriostigma

Accession Count: 1
Common Name: bishop's cap
Family Name: Cactaceae
Botanical Name: Astrophytum myriostigma
Synonyms:
Botanical Synonyms: Echinocactus myriostigma
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Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics: Astrophytum myriostigma is a spherical to columnar, compact cactus that bears woolly areoles (1). Usually, A. myriostigma forms 5 ribs, increasing in number as the plant matures, and becomes more columnar (2).  Its silvery-gray flesh is covered in tiny trichomes, giving the plant a velvety texture (2, 3). In summer, a large funnel-shaped, aromatic yellow flower will form, followed by green to red, woolly, scaled fruits. The seeds are dark brown and shiny. (4).
Compound: Ast myr
Geographic Origin: Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
Natural History: Astrophytum myriostigma originated in the mountainous region of central Mexico, in the states of San Luis de Potosí, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas (5). Its natural habitat occurs from 1,500-8,300 feet in elevation, in rocky or stony soil (3).
A. myriostigma was first discovered in 1839 by Antoine Charles Lemaire (6), and was introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century (7). The genus Astrophytum is named for the Greek word astron, for “star plant”, as plants from this genus take on a star-like shape (7). The specific epithet, myriostigma, is a combination of the Greek words myrios, many, and stigma, point, perhaps for the numerable trichomes across the cacti’s surface (8).
Cultivation Notes: For the best growth, use well-draining, alkaline to neutral soil with sand and chalk (1). Grow in light shade, except during the flowering season, as plants are sensitive to full sun (1, 7). A. myriostigma should be watered every three or four weeks, except during the summer, when watering should be once a week. Additionally, provide humidity during the summer months to supplement growth (5). Propagation is possible by seed, and should be sown in early spring at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Grow in cactus compost with limestone chippings (1), and always provide shade for young seedlings, which will perish in strong light (7).
Ethnobotany: The fruit produced by Astrophytum myriostigma has been used in ceremonies by many cultures, including the indigenous Tarahumara people from Chihuahua. It is considered “false peyote”, and valued for its supposed hallucinogenic properties (2). However, in comparison to “true peyote”, Lophophora williamsii, the hallucinogenic or medicinal properties of many “false peyotes” may be inaccurate, requiring further research (9). Even so, A. myriostigma does contain an anhalonium alkaloid that is a cerebral stimulant and motor depressant, and may actually be hallucinogenic (9, 10).
Height: 0 - 5 feet
Width: 0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate: Slow Growing
Grow Season: Summer
Flower Season: Summer
Color: Yellow
Function: Patio
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Hardy
Water Use: Low water Use
Citations:
1. Inspiring Everyone to Grow. Retrieved May 1st, 2020.
2. University of Arkansas. Retrieved May 1st, 2020.
3. Tucson Cactus & Succulent Society, tucsoncactus.org. Retrieved May 1st, 2020.
4. Astrophytum myriostigma, Cactus Art Nursery. Retrieved May 1st, 2020.
5. Succulents and Cactus. Retrieved May 1st, 2020.
6. Tropicos. Retrieved May 1st, 2020.
7. Plant Care Today. Retrieved May 1st, 2020.
9. JSTOR. Retrieved May 1st, 2020.
10. The Free Dictionary. Retrieved May 1st, 2020.
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Astrophytum myriostigma