The Astrophytum have really taken off this last month.
Astrophytum asterias, slightly fasciated flower.
a second flower from the same plant, several days later, also a bit misshapen.
Astrophytum myriostigma 'quadricostatum', first time it flowered for me, probably its first flower ever. The flower was rather small though, a little over an inch (3cm) in diameter (outer diameter of the pot shown is 3in/7.6cm).
Astrophytum myriostigma. Each flower was about twice as large as the quadricostatum's; for reference the pot is 4in/10cm diameter.
a second
Astrophytum myriostigma. The yellow of the flower is very intense as it opens, mellowing out when fully open, especially the next day. I practically watched this one bloom before my eyes as I was taking pictures of other plants. I regretted not recording it.
I really like the scaly buds of Astrophytum. This one belongs to an
Astrophytum myriostigma hybrid, probably myriostigma x capricorne.
and here is the same bud, fully open
and a clearer view of the stem
I think my favorite of the genus is
Astrophytum capricorne. They have the biggest, most intense flowers. Here's a close-up.
I love the red throat and magenta at the very bottom. Here's another flower from a second plant.
Here's the stem that put out the flower above. Look at those spines!
After two years of aborted flowers, my
Huernia kennedyana finally graced me with a bloom.
and here is the plant itself
And finally,
Cochemiea theresae, which has some of the best flowers of the Mammilloids.
and the stem, about the width of my thumb but much squatter.