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Astrophytum asterias cv. Superkabuto f. prolifera

Family: CACTACEAE · Cultivar of Astrophytum asterias

Description

‘Superkabuto prolifera’ is a very nice cultivars that varies from the typical Astrophytum asterias for the epidermis, that does not have simple dots, but a mosaic of more or less extensive white woolly spots that make the plant look intensely maculate and for the abnormal tendency to branch forming small side pups from the areole. In cultivation there are innumerable clones showing varies degreed of monstrosity some of them branching like mad, while other almost normal. There are also some crested and monstrous forms.

Stem: Dimension 3-7cm tall, 5-10 cm in diameter.

Ribs: Usually 8.

Flowers: Like those of Astrophytum asterias, yellow with a red throat.

Blooming season: Spring to summer.

Remarks: This is one of the less known and strange Japanese cultivars. It is seldom seen in cactus collections.

Origin and Habitat

Japan, Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)

Cultivation and Propagation

By seeds, remembering that seedlings dislike strong light and dry conditions and need to be repotted frequently. Eventually, as they become mature, they attain a maximum size of 8-10 cm (20) cm. However, old plants become senile and have a tendency to succumb to disease and a weak root system. At this stage, as is well known, they die suddenly. So, after they reach 10 cm in diameter grow them slowly, and adopt a new repotting period, using intervals of every 2 - 3 years. Additionally grow them under drier conditions or with stronger sunlight. But plants are often grafted to accelerate growth as they would generally take at least a five years to reach maturity on their own, but the grafted plants are typical rather tall growing, compared with plants on their own roots that are usually more flat to the ground.

Cultivation is not too difficult in a greenhouse, although grows quite slowly. The plants need a loose well-drained mineral soil. They need a good amount of light. Watering can be done weekly during summertime, if the weather is sunny enough, with a little fertilizer added. Kept this way, plants will show a healthy, although slow growth. They are frost hardy to -4° (-10°) C.

Be careful: The epidermis of Superkabuto is harder than in the normal asterias and cracks easily if plants are overwatered.

Bibliography

Major reference and further lectures

  1. Hadley Nation “Super Kabuto and Rare Astrophytum: Limited Edition Collector’s Guide” Little Quin Publishing, 2007

  2. http://www.astrobase.de/Asterias/Artikel/esuperkap.html

  3. Sato, T., “J.C.P Color Hand Book Series No. 2, Volume 1, Hand Book Asterias Family” page 1-65, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press. 03/25/1973

  4. Benadom, D., “Cacti & Succulents for the Amateur” in: Cact. Succ. Journ. (US), volume: 70 No. (6), page 314-315, 1998

  5. Kleszewski, K. P., “Verein der Kakteenfreunde Mainz/Wiesb. u. Umgebung, OG, Astrophytum asterias (ZUCC.) LEM. Am Standort in Mexiko…und in Kultur” in: Kaktusblüte, volume: No., page 25-28, 1998

  6. Kibayashi, A., “Cacti and succulents in Japan, part 1” in: Cact. Succ. Journ. (US), volume: 65 No. (3), page 126-127, 1993

  7. Kobayashi, A., “Cacti and succulents in Japan, part 3” in: Cact. Succ. Journ. (US), volume: 68 No. (5), page 245-249, 1996

  8. Sato, T., “Astrophytum asterias varieties” In : A Quarterly Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, volume: 1 No. (1), page 22-34, 1978

  9. Sato, T., “Astrophytum asterias” in: Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, volume: 9 No. 7, page 10-14, 1995

10 ) Sato, T., “Astrophytum asterias” in: Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, No. 3, page 10-14, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press, 1995

  1. Sato, T., “Contest of Cactus & Succulent plant in Kyoto 1998” in: Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, No. 11, page 2-7, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press, 1998

  2. Sato, T., “Contest of Cactus & Succulent plant in Saitama 1998” in: Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, No. 12, page 2-4, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press, 1998

  3. Sato, T., Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, No. 6, page 2, 7, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press, (unknown) 1999

  4. Sato, T., Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, No. 7, page 9, 10, 15, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press, (unknown) 1999

  5. Sato, T., 1999 “The report of the grand meeting to celbrate the 20th anniversary of ‘KYOSENKAI’” in Cactus & Succulent Journal of Japan, No. 9, page 2-11, Japan Cactus Planning Co. Press,

  6. Anderson, M., “Grafting succulents” in: Cact. Succ. Journ. (US), volume: 69 No. (1), page 17-25, 1997

Gallery

- The branching habit of this cultivar is an uncommon characteristic rarely seen in this species. Furthermore this cultivar shows the unmistakable white patches on the plant's body typical of the well known Japanese "Superkabuto".
- The branching habit of this cultivar is an uncommon characteristic rarely seen in this species. Furthermore this cultivar shows the unmistakable white patches on the plant's body typical of the well known Japanese "Superkabuto".© Valentino Vallicelli · source · CC-BY-SA