Description
Kikko is a rare Japaese cultivar with raised tubercles along the ribs edges, in fact its areoles stick out with large notches between them, giving it a bumpy look. The furrows which appear transversely on the ribs cuts the continuity of the ribs and the plants appears decorated with a geometrical design which is raised above the surface. When viewed from above these plants resemble a tortoise-shell hence the Japanese word ‘Kitsu-kow’ that means “Turtle shell” but at a first glace (especially the nude form) resembles some chinned cacti particularly some Gymocalyciums. Usually the young seedlings appears nothing special and looks like normal asterias, and barely shows any trace of saw teeth, but they start to produce the distinguishing indentation and turn into an amazing adult as they get 3 to 7 years old. In general the bigger the “saw teeth” are and the rounder and flatter they are, the better.
Violet form): The schizochromic form (Astrophytum asterias cv. Kikko Nudum violet) has bright magenta-violet stems due to the absence (or reduced production) of chlorophyll pigments: every other pigment is present at normal levels, the dominant green colouration is lost, but will still more than likely have normal other pigments that give the violet overall appearance of the stem. This form with violet stems is very attractive and highly prized. This schizochromic form is almost always seen grafted on stronger columnar species, and cannot can be grown on its own roots. However some clones have enough chlorophyll in their tissues and can be grown on they own roots too, but very slow growing.
Stem: Spherical flattened usually non-branched or few branched flat, violet. Diameter 3(8)16 cm. Height 2 to 6 cm.
Areoles: Round, cream-coloured till white hairy up to 6 (3-12) mm) of diameters. The areoles are normally set in a separation up to 10 mm
Spines: None.
Ribs: Usually 8.
Flowers: Like those of the well known asterias yellow with a red throat.
Blooming season: Spring to summer.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)