• SHAPE :Usually solitary, round to columnar, often covered with fine white tufts ("flocking") but sometimes naked, generally small, but can be up to 30cm in diameter and 100cm high.
• RIBS : Ribs 4-8, straight, tubercles absent.
• AREOLE : Large, close set but distinct.
• SPINES : Variable.
• FLOWERS : Spring and Autumn borne at the top, open during the day, funnelform, large yellow or yellow with red throats; outer petals with pointed scales.
  

(eg. A. myriostigma)

Ariocarpi are the pinnacle of cactus cultivation.  Plants belonging to the Ariocarpus genus are amongst the rarest in the world.  Poaching and illegal trade have caused the genus to become endangered in habitat.  Consequently, the plant has been included in the CITES Appendix 1 and specimens may no longer be exported outside the Americas. 

Species populations vary depending on location.  The genus is indigenous to Mexico and may be found in various states, including San Louis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, as well as various mountain ranges in Texas and Coahuila.

Based on Anderson's (1997) most recent revision of the genus, Ariocarpi are classified in the following species:

• Agavoides
• Bravoanus ssp Bravoanus
• Bravoanus ssp Hintonii
• Confusus
• Fissuratus
• Kotschoubeyanus
• Retusus ssp Retusus
• Retusus ssp Trigonus
• Scaphirostris

Stapelia is the name of a genus of succulent plants within the larger family Apocynaceae (formerly Asclepiadaceae). Stapeliads is the common word used to describe the genus Stapelia as well as all related genera in the tribe Stapelieae.
There are approximately 2000 species within 300 genera (the genus Stapelia has 100 species alone).

They are most notably associated with the southern half of Africa and Madagascar where the majority of Stapelia species can be found. They are also widespread across the rest of Africa with a few into neighbouring countries and India.

Melway 70E1

Corner Millers Cres. and Stephensons Road. Mt. Waverley.