Ariocarpus fissuratus forma mostruosa
 

Description: Ariocarpus fissuratus mostruosus forms large proliferating dark green stems with white woolly  crowns. It shows an abnormal, uncoordinated form of vegetative growth, with a multitude of condensed lateral proliferation, each areole originating a new stem only a few centimetres across.  The plant looks more like a strange  furry animal or a marine creature than a cactus.

Each specimen shows some growing variations and is different and particular.

Cultivation: This plant is grown exclusively grafted. Keep well ventilated, protect from frosts and freezes. Give plenty of light to keep plant compact, but avoid direct sun exposure in the hottest part of the day during the summer.

Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Ariocarpus fissuratus/bravoanus  complex (This Taxon has lots of synonyms whit several controversial varieties and subspecies):

• A. fissuratus
• A. fissuratus cv. GODZILLA
• A. fissuratus cv. GODZILLA COTTON FLOCK type
• A. fissuratus forma mostruosa
• A. bravoanus
• A. bravoanus ssp. hintonii
• A. intermedius

Scientific name: Ariocarpus fissuratus (Engelm.) K. Schum.

Origin: 

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix I.
 

• Roseocactus fissuratus
• Mammillaria fissurata
• Anhalonium fissuratum

In winter with a sunny exposure this plant takes on a nice bronze hue.