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Species

Astrophytum asterias

Astrophytum asterias

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: The Miniature Star of the Desert

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Astrophytum asterias?
Astrophytum asterias is a species-level taxonomy entry identified by the scientific name Astrophytum asterias.
Which rank is Astrophytum asterias?
Astrophytum asterias is shown as a species in our botanical dictionary.
Which groups sit below Astrophytum asterias?
No lower taxonomy landing pages are currently shown for Astrophytum asterias.
Are there plants related to Astrophytum asterias?
Yes. Related dictionary entries include Astrophytum asterias, Star Cactus.
Is this taxonomy page a care guide?
No. This page explains scientific classification; light, watering, and safety guidance belongs on individual plant pages.
Is Astrophytum asterias a product category?
No. This is a scientific taxonomy record. Product categories are organized separately around customer search intent.
Why is the Latin name shown?
The Latin scientific name reduces ambiguity between common names across languages and regions.
Where can I see the parent ranks?
The taxonomy card shows the parent ranks of Astrophytum asterias inside the scientific hierarchy.
Can this page change over time?
Yes. Taxonomy and dictionary content can be updated as botanical data, greenhouse observations, and collection records improve.
Why is this different from a plant detail page?
This page explains a classification node. Individual plant pages contain care notes, collection links, and practical growing information.