The cultivar ‘Superkabuto’ originated from a mutation of Astrophytum asterias characterized by dense white spots (trichomes) much larger than usual. The original “parent plant” was discovered in 1981 by the Japanese collector Masaomi Takeo in a garden center in the United States, and was later sold to Tony Sato in Japan for the astonishing sum of 3,000,000 yen (approximately €30,000 in today’s value). From there, selective breeding and controlled crosses were carried out to stabilize the trait and expand its forms, giving rise to various lines and variants (e.g. V-type, fly’s wings, etc.) that made the name “Superkabuto” a benchmark among Asian hybridizers and, later, around the world.

Diameter 4-5 cm, seed grown about 5 years old (own roots never grafted).