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Species

Astrophytum asterias

Astrophytum asterias

Article summary

Editorial SEO summary

Source-backed classification draft for Astrophytum asterias.

Scientific taxonomy article

Astrophytum asterias

Astrophytum asterias (Zucc.) Lem. is treated as an accepted taxon in Plants of the World Online.1

The current source-backed classification places it in Cactaceae within Astrophytum.12

Its recorded native range/source remark is MXEAG, MXECU, MXEHI, MXEZA, MXEQU, MXEGU, MXESL, MXEDU, NORTHERNAMERICA, TEX, MEXICO, SOUTHCENTRAL_USA; S. Texas to Mexico (Nuevo León, Tamaulipas).1

POWO records the plant context as succulent subshrub, desert or dry shrubland.1

This is a source-populated draft intended for later Kaktus Doktoru editorial rewriting; care advice and morphology should be reviewed before publication.

References

  1. Plants of the World Online. "Astrophytum asterias (Zucc.) Lem.". Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed: 2026-06-10. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:128907-1 ↩
  2. GBIF Secretariat. "Astrophytum asterias". GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Accessed: 2026-06-10. https://www.gbif.org/species/5384219 ↩

Plants In This Group

Astrophytum asterias

Astrophytum asterias

Astrophytum asterias

Astrophytum asterias, commonly known as the "Sand Dollar Cactus" or "Star Cactus," is a highly sought after, spineless cactus species native to the arid regions of Mexico and Texas. Its diminutive size and distinctive flattened, spherical form have made it a favorite among cactus enthusiasts. This plant typically grows solitarily, reaching up to 15 cm in diameter and 2 6 cm in height. Its body is usually divided into eight prominent, flat ribs; however, variations with fewer or more ribs also exist.

Star Cactus

Astrophytum asterias 'Star Shape'

Star Cactus

Astrophytum asterias is a small, spineless, flattened cactus with a clean star like body and orderly woolly areoles. The product name “Star Cactus” or “Sand Dollar Cactus” is clear for buyers, while the botanical dictionary keeps the scientific basis: Astrophytum asterias (Zucc.) Lem. POWO/Kew treats the name as accepted and records a narrow native range from southern Texas to Nuevo León and Tamaulipas in Mexico. World Flora Online also reports the name as accepted in Cactaceae.