{"product_id":"astrophytum-capricorne-v-niveum-f-nudum-cuatro-cienegas-coahuila-collector-cactus","title":"Astrophytum capricorne v. niveum f. nudum | Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila | Collector Cactus","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAstrophytum capricorne v. niveum f. nudum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a distinctive naked-bodied form associated with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCuatro Ciénegas region of Coahuila, Mexico\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Unlike typical var. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eniveum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which is famous for its exceptionally dense covering of white woolly flecks, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enudum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e form lacks most or all of this epidermal flocking, revealing the smooth green surface of the stem beneath. The result is a striking contrast between the clean green body and the long, powerful spines characteristic of the northern \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecapricorne\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e populations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants begin globose and gradually become more cylindrical with age, developing the strongly ribbed, architectural form characteristic of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAstrophytum capricorne\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The spines are typically robust, flattened, and somewhat curved, emerging dark brown to nearly black before weathering to gray or chalky tones with age. The absence of dense white flecking makes the spine structure especially prominent and gives mature specimens a dramatically different appearance from typical var. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eniveum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eniveum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e populations occur around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCuatro Ciénegas in central Coahuila, Mexico\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, within the Chihuahuan Desert. Typical var. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eniveum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e grows in rocky, gravelly soils among limestone outcrops and desert scrub, where plants experience intense sunlight, very low annual rainfall, hot summers, and regular winter cold. Associated cacti include \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAriocarpus fissuratus, Lophophora williamsii,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocactus horizonthalonius\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants matching the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enudum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e phenotype were reported from approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10 kilometers west of Cuatro Ciénegas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, where they occurred together with normally white-flecked \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eniveum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e plants. This coexistence is particularly important because it supports the interpretation of nudum as a naturally occurring epidermal form within the same regional population rather than a completely separate geographic taxon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowering Information:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature plants produce large, satiny \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eyellow flowers with a deep red to orange-red throat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, generally during the warmer growing season. Individual flowers may reach approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 inches) across\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and emerge from the woolly crown at the top of the plant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe flowers are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehermaphroditic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, containing functional stamens and a functional pistil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow in a highly porous, predominantly mineral substrate consisting of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epumice, coarse grit, limestone gravel, decomposed granite, and only a modest amount of organic material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Excellent drainage is essential, particularly during cool weather.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough these plants originate from limestone-rich desert habitat, the most important cultivation requirement is a mineral mix that drains rapidly and does not remain saturated around the roots. Avoid overly rich soil, which can encourage soft or unnaturally elongated growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest suited to approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUSDA Zones 9–11\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Established plants can tolerate \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebrief light freezes approaching 20°F (-7°C) when completely dry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, but prolonged freezing conditions combined with moisture should be avoided.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecool, completely dry winter dormancy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e whenever possible. Water should be greatly reduced or withheld once nighttime temperatures remain consistently cool.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrives in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebright light to full sun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Strong illumination encourages compact growth, sturdy spine development, and dependable flowering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants grown under greenhouse conditions should be gradually acclimated before exposure to intense outdoor sun. Good air circulation is especially important during warm weather and after watering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePropagation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePropagation is primarily from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eseed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Seed-grown plants preserve the natural variability present within the Cuatro Ciénegas populations and develop the characteristic growth form of the species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAstrophytum capricorne\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e normally remains solitary and only rarely produces offsets, vegetative propagation is generally not practical. Seedlings displaying the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enudum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e phenotype can vary in the degree of epidermal flecking.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollector's Note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe taxonomic history of this plant is unusually complicated. The densely white-flecked \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eniveum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e form was originally described in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1933 as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocactus capricornis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e var. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eniveus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e by K. Kayser following the discovery of these distinctive northern populations near Cuatro Ciénegas. It was later transferred into \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAstrophytum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and became widely known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAstrophytum capricorne\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e var. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eniveum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe naturally occurring plants lacking the characteristic white flecking have circulated among collectors under names including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAstrophytum capricorne\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e var. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eniveum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e f. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enudum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA. capricorne\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e f. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enudum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and historically in association with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003evar. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecrassispinum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This overlap in naming reflects the considerable natural variation within the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAstrophytum capricorne\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e populations of the Cuatro Ciénegas region.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThis is for one plant similar to the one shown growing in a 4\" inch container shipped bare root. All of our plants are guaranteed pest-free and healthy upon delivery, and we ship within the United States. Shipping is done Monday thru Friday.\u003cbr\u003eAny questions please ask.\u003cbr\u003e#prsucculents\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Phoenix Rising Succulents","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47336106885289,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/7391\/0096\/files\/20260720_174000.jpg?v=1786240195","url":"https:\/\/prsucculents.com\/products\/astrophytum-capricorne-v-niveum-f-nudum-cuatro-cienegas-coahuila-collector-cactus","provider":"Phoenix Rising Succulents","version":"1.0","type":"link"}