Description
This plant is an example of crossbreed involving two different Astrophytum species (Astrophytum coahuilense x Astrophytum asterias ) the resulting interspecific F1 hybrid shows intermediate characteristic from both the parents and an epidermis covered by silvery scales.
Remarks: Compare with the inverse hybrid Astrophytum hybrid AS-CO (A. asterias x A. coahuilense) which is similar but with (usually) 7-8 ribs.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)
Cultivation and Propagation
Relatively easy to grow. It is sometime seen as a grafted plant but grows very well on its own roots too. Use mineral well permeable substratum with little organic matter (peat, humus). Water sparingly from March till October and keep perfectly dry in winter at temperatures from 5 to 15 degrees centigrade. (but it is Hardy to -7°C for short periods) In the rest period no high atmospheric humidity!!
Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun.
Propagation: They can be propagated easily from seed or graft.
Notes
To crossbreed, or hybridise, two different plants it is necessary to take the pollen from the anther (male organs) of one plant and move it to the stigma, (female organ) of another, making sure that no other pollen apart from the one that is supplied can reach the stigma. In autosterile species (like the plant in example) it is quite easy, the pollen can be collect (for example whit a small painting brush or with a pair of forceps) and then placed directly over the receptive stigma, after that the fecundated flower can be covered with a paper bag.
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