Astrophytum coahuilense

Astrophytum coahuilense is a cactus species belonging to the genus Astrophytum.

Astrophytum coahuilense
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Cactaceae
Subfamily:	Cactoideae
Genus:	Astrophytum
Species:	A. coahuilense
Binomial name
Astrophytum coahuilense (H.Moeller) Kanfer

Description

A. coahuilense may be confused with Astrophytum myriostigma, as the two looks similar to each other. A. coahuilense possesses a five-ribbed structure, albeit the epidermis is more covered in softer trichomes compared to A. myriostigma. It grows up to a size of 10 cm (occasionally 20 cm). The flowers are yellow with a characteristic red throat, although can appear pure red or very rarely pure yellow. In the fruit which is red till olive-green colored and basal opening are up to 200 seeds, similar as in the case of A. capricorne.^[2]

Distribution and Habitat

A. coahuilense is native to Mexico, specifically the south-western regions of Coahuila and Durango. They inhabit preferentially sunny south and east slopes on lime formations, rarely grow in north or west position between white grey rock in a loose to thick vegetation, which primarily consists of a dry bush community. The soil consists mainly of lime gravel and sand with isolated humus feedthroughs.^[2]