Bishop’s Cap Cactus

The Bishop’s Cap Cactus is a spineless cactus usually comprised of 5 ribs, although it can be anywhere from 3-7 ribs, which form a starlike globular shape. Down the center of each rib grows flocked trichomes, generally brown or white in color. More ribs may grow as it ages, it can grow up to three feet long. The flowers are generally pale yellow followed by a red fruit.

Location: Chicago, IL – Garfield Park Conservatory

Common Names: Bishop’s Cap Cactus, Bishop’s Hat, Bishop’s Miter Cactus

Botanical Name: Astrophytum myriostigma

Family: Cactaceae

Origin: Mexico

Care: Moderate water in the summer and drier conditions in the winter. Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Toxicity: Unknown.

Fun Facts: The name Astrophytum is derived from a Greek word, literally meaning, star plant, attained by the plant’s star-like shape. While most succulents can be propagated by a cutting, the Bishop’s Cap Cactus should only be propagated by seed, cutting are very difficult to root.