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Bishop's Cap Wikimedia Commons
Cactaceae

Bishop's Cap

Astrophytum myriostigma

Patience and spirituality.

Family
Cactaceae
Genus
Astrophytum
Native to
Mexico
Bloom season
Spring, Summer
Type
succulent
Height
0.5-1.5 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
sandy, gritty, extremely well-drained
Water
low
Hardiness
9-11
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The star-shaped body (typically 5-ribbed) gives it the genus name Astrophytum, meaning 'star plant.'
  • Its surface is covered in tiny white trichomes (flocking) that reflect sunlight and protect it from UV radiation.
  • Specimens in cultivation can live for over 100 years, growing extremely slowly throughout their lives.
  • It is spineless, unlike most cacti, relying instead on its thick skin and chemical defenses for protection.
  • The species name myriostigma means 'many dots,' referring to the thousands of tiny white spots covering its surface.

Color meanings

0

patience

1

endurance

2

spiritual protection

Uses

  • ornamental cactus
  • succulent collections
  • container gardening
  • windowsill plants