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Astrophytum myriostigma Japanese cultivar ONZUKA
Scientific name: Astrophytum myriostigma Lemaire
cv. ONZUKA
Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.
Origin: Japan, Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)
The cultivar 'ONZUKA' (In Japanese speaking "Onzuka Ranpo-gyoku") has snowy-white, heavily speckled epidermis with fabulous markings much like the ‘kabuto’ asterias. The white marking varies considerably from plant to plant and there exist an enormous number of different designs, and also plants change their appearance in age and they are full of surprises as they grows.
It was created somewhat by chance in Japan around 1974-1977 by Mr. Tsutomu Onzuka (Hence the name).
He intended to cross a three-ribbed A. myriostigma with A. myriostigma var. nudum. Subsequently, over several generations of repeated backcrossed of the the offspring he obtained, unexpectedly, some strange A. myriostigma characterized by many white dots. It has been called 'ONZUKA.'
These cultivars can reach incredible prices, as the plant mother of Mirakuru Kabuto sold 3 million Yen (22000 euros) in 1980. The most beautiful plants and rarest are often sold with the biddings. Nursery gardeners sell even seeds with the unit!
While being based on the administrative difficulties of QUOTE, Japanese maintain a certain Japanese protectionism, exports are rare and it is almost impossible for a foreign collector to be able to acquire of one of these jewels.
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 till 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. Be careful: The epidermis of ONZUKA is harder than in the normal myriostigmas and cracks easily if plants are overwatered.
