Mexican ”living stones”, they do not resemble cactus plants but do resemble stones. In most cases small, not exceeding 15 cm in diameter, they lack both typical ribs and spines. Their grey, flat, wrinkled tubercules make them look like a starfish. White, pink or magenta flowers appear in the middle of plants and only thanks to them Ariocarpi can be found in nature otherwise they are not visible against grey stony ground. Not the easiest in cultivation but a mineral potting mix, a lot of light and heat along with careful watering will make them grow, although slowly, and flower, to the awe of all guests in the collection.