Unique among the Astros, Astrophytum asterias never gives up it's globular habit, it doesn't becom columnar like the others. In times of drought it can contract itself nearly to the ground. It is relatively spineless and flecked in interesting patterns making it one of the prettiest of Astros. And it's variability and ease of hybridization makes it a very popular collectors cactus. From northeastern Mexico, in the wild it can reach a diameter of 6 inches. It produces yellow flowers with reddish throats intermittently throughout the summer and grown in high light can become some some interesting colors.
     Mine have never flowered but Trent has given me permission to use his flower pic so you could see one. Thanks Trent! Also at a recent visit to B & B Cactus Farm I saw a really interesting three headed specimen. And check out the "Super Kabuto" I got from Miles Anderson and a nicely tanned show cacti that almost looks made of chocolate.

A lovely orange one	A gnarly old timer at the Desert Museum	Flower by Trent	At B & B
Japanese cultivar "Super Kabuto"	A nice sized show specimen	Super Kabuto flower in June	Super Kabuto viewed from the top
A little closer view