Status:
valid
Authors:
(Velazco & Nevárez) D.R.Hunt
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
2003
Citation Micro:
in Cactaceae Syst. Init. 16: 4. 2003.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000555052
Common Names
- Astrophytum caput-medusae
- Caput-Medusae Astrophytum
- Caput-Medusae's Astrophytum
Synonyms
- Digitostigma caput-medusae Velazco & Nevárez [invalid]
Description
Astrophytum caput-medusae (also called Medusa's head cactus, among many other common names) is a succulent cactus that can reach up to 1 m in height. It is native to Mexico, and is found in dry, open areas. It has small, spiny leaves and yellow flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Astrophytum caput-medusae is used as an ornamental plant and for timber production.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Astrophytum caput-medusae has small, yellow flowers with white centers. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, with two leaves and a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Astrophytum caput-medusae is a slow-growing cactus that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Water when the soil is dry, and fertilize during the growing season.
Where to Find Astrophytum caput-medusae
Astrophytum caput-medusae is native to the deserts of Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Astrophytum caput-medusae FAQ
What is the scientific name of Astrophytum caput-medusae?
Astrophytum caput-medusae
What is the common name of Astrophytum caput-medusae?
Medusa's Head Cactus
Where is Astrophytum caput-medusae found?
Astrophytum caput-medusae is found in Central and South America
Species in the Astrophytum genus
Species in the Cactaceae family
Acanthocalycium glaucum,
Acanthocalycium spiniflorum,
Acanthocalycium thionanthum,
Acanthocalycium leucanthum,
Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum,
Acanthocalycium klimpelianum,
Acanthocereus chiapensis,
Acanthocereus tetragonus,
Acanthocereus guatemalensis,
Acanthocereus maculatus,
Acanthocereus canoensis,
Acanthocereus castellae,
Acanthocereus cuixmalensis,
Acanthocereus fosterianus,
Acanthocereus haackeanus,
Acanthocereus hesperius,
Acanthocereus hirschtianus,
Acanthocereus macdougallii,
Acanthocereus oaxacensis,
Acanthocereus paradoxus,
Acanthocereus rosei,
Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus,
Acanthocereus atropurpureus,
Acharagma aguirreanum,
Acharagma roseanum,
Airampoa albisaetacens,
Airampoa armata,
Airampoa ayrampo,
Airampoa boliviensis,
Airampoa cedergreniana,
Airampoa chilensis,
Airampoa corrugata,
Airampoa erectoclada,
Airampoa ianthinantha,
Airampoa microdisca,
Airampoa minuscula,
Airampoa orurensis,
Airampoa panellana,
Airampoa picardoi,
Airampoa silvestris,
Airampoa tilcarensis,
Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis,
Aporocactus flagelliformis,
Aporocactus martianus,
Aporocactus moennighoffii,
Aporocactus knebelii,
Aporoheliocereus smithianus,
Ariocarpus agavoides,
Ariocarpus bravoanus,
Ariocarpus drabi,
References
Vázquez-Lobo, A., Morales, G.A., Arias, S., Golubov, J., Hernández-Hernández, T. & Mandujano, M.C. 2015: Phylogeny and biogeographic history of Astrophytum (Cactaceae). Systematic Botany 40(4): 1022-1030, 9.: