Astrophytum Mammiferum

Family

Cactaceae

Native

Brazil

Description

Frailea mammifera is a small cactus, usually solitary, sometimes branching basally. The stem is subglobose or shortly columnar, with about 17 ribs

The rare blloms comes with sulphur-yellow flowers larger than the plant itself. These fully developed flowers will open only in intense heat.

Environment

Grow them in rich, porous soil, and let them dry out between waterings. It enjoys full sun, and it can take on a near black appearance when kept in bright light.  In a shaded position the plants grow faster, but are not flat shaped or dark coloured. During the dry season plants retract completely under the ground

Landscape Uses

It is used as an ornamental, It is an excellent plant for container growing. It always looks good and stays small.