Astrophytum asterias  forma prolifera
The branching habit of this cultivar is an uncommon characteristic rarely seen in this species.
 

Description: This cultivar varies from the typical A. asterias for the tendency to branch forming small side pups from the areole..
Stem: Dimension 3-7cm tall, 5-10 cm in diameter.
Ribs: Usually 8.
Flowers: Like those of A. asterias, yellow with a red throat.
Blooming season: Spring to summer.
 

Cultivation: Although regarded as a choice and difficult plant in cultivation, it is relatively easy to grow. It is sometime seen as a grafted plant, but grows very well on its own roots too. Use mineral, well permeable substratum with little organic matter (peat, humus). Water sparingly from March until October, and keep perfectly dry in winter, at temperatures from 5 to 15 degrees centigrade. (but it is Hardy to -7°C for short periods).  In the rest period no high atmospheric humidity!! Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun.

Propagation: Almost exclusively by seed. Plants are sometimes grafted onto column-shaped cacti.

Astrophytum asterias forma prolifera

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Origin: Japan,   Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)
 

This is one of the less known and strange Japanese cultivars. It  is seldom seen in cactus collections.
 

Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of Astrophytum asterias:

• A. asterias
• A. asterias "5 ribs"
• A. asterias "albino".  
• A. asterias "nudum" 
• A. asterias "prolifera"
• A. asterias "star shape" 
• A. asterias cv. AKABANA (Red flowers)
• A. asterias cv. FUKURYU
• A. asterias cv. HAKUUN
• A. asterias cv. HAKUUN forma prolifera
• A. asterias cv. HANAZONO 
• A. asterias cv. LINE AREOLES
• A. asterias cv. RURIKABUTO 
• A. asterias cv. SUPERKABUTO 
• A. asterias cv. SUPERKABUTO "5 ribs"
• A. asterias cv. SUPERKABUTO "cristata"
• A. asterias cv. SUPERKABUTO "Snow type" 
• A. asterias cv. SUPERKABUTO "Star type" 
• A. asterias cv. SUPERKABUTO "zebra type" (V-Type or Tiger)