Also from Mexico, Astrophytum ornatum is another beautiful member of the Astro genus. Like A. myriostigma it is globular at first and becomes a column with age up to 4 feet high. The 5 to 8 ribs, sometimes spiralling as they grow, are beautifully decorated with flecks and impressivelly spined. The flecking varies from specimen to specimen. Sometimes almost nonexistant as with one in my garden and sometimes so covering the plant as to give the appearance of pure white.
The one below has been in my garden for about ten years and flowered for me the first time this year (2005). It's about 6 inches around and 12 inches tall. Click a thumbnail to see it.
     Update spring 2007. Both the one in the ground and my large potted one have been prolific flowerers. The last two pictures are both plants with multiple blooms, 5 on each on the same day. I should get seed out of this.

A nicely flecked smaller one	The one in the garden ready to burst	Three flowers at once!	Close up with a little bee
Another flower on my smaller one	The one in the garden	My large potted one