Understanding Evolution with Astrophytum asterias

In this video we take a look at some of the incredible variation possible due to recessive alleles within the genome of Astrophytum asterias and use it as an illustration of how natural selection might work to create new species and forms in the environment.
Filmed in the Greenhouse of @madamcacti (IG), we get a great look at some of the incredible forms possible to be coaxed out of a plant genome in a relatively short period of time and with only a few generations of breeding.
We talk Mendelian Genetics, Recessive Alleles, and how human selective breeding mimics -albeit on a much smaller scale - what nature does 100x times better and how it can lead to the evolution of new species.
Your contributions support this content. It sounds clichéd, but it's true. Whether it's travel expenses, vehicle repair, or medical costs for urushiol poisoning (or rockfalls, beestings, hand slices, toxic sap, etc), your financial support allows this content to continue so the beauty of Earth's flora can be made accessible to the rest of us in the degenerate public. At a time when so much is disappearing beneath the human footprint, CPBBD is willing to do whatever it takes to document these plant species and the ecological communities they are a part of before they're gone for good.
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Thanks, GFY.

[@Ellipsis780]

I don't care if she doesn't have formal education. There are healthy plants growing as far as the eye can see. Very impressive.

[@Ludvig11]

Geniuses with enough time, passion and dedication in a single field == This.

[@CrimSang420]

I wish I had your sunny outlook. Going sessile, giving up on mobile life == This.

[@LAnJitude]

Agreed, i can never go this long without cursing. Somehow he has achieved Perfect Curse Control. He knows about plants, too.

[@heheheiamasuperstarcatgirl8485]

And also a greenhouse!

[@JessHull]

@@CrimSang420 what ?

[@carlandrews5810]

​​@@JessHull being a hobo is a better lifestyle than the life this person growing these cactus has chosen. I think that's basically what they meant.

[@mozismobile]

I love the way you put things "just like those purple and white flowered peas but in the form of a critially endangered cactus" 😂

[@grannyplants1764]

I think this is the best video you’ve done so far, and that’s really saying something. It shows how you both have such a deep passion for botany or a species, for example, passion that can far outweigh any formal education. And what beautiful-literally-examples of the results of the selection of specific, unique traits are shown! Brilliant. So tremendous thanks to Madame Astrophytum ? for letting you film such wonderful examples of her patient work, and to you Joey for your great enthusiasm, questions, and comments about it. Truly, a really educational, hortlust banger of a video. 🌵

[@MrEiht]

Every man would have shown his face and bragged about his work. This lady is just humble and her impressive work says more than mens words.

[@CrimSang420]

I can probably message 29 people like this and maybe even change their day a lil' bit... I. Am. GOD. I bloody *get* it now! 💯🧑‍🔬

[@CrimSang420]

SHUT UP! JUST SHUT. THE EFF. UPP!!

[@CrimSang420]

No.

[@CrimSang420]

Well, I kinda wish you would, you know?

[@Burley_Bert]

37:45 Her humble attitude, matched with her astounding knowledge and patience leads me to believe she might be an expert in more than just grafting she's a genius. What a fuckin' amazing garden, 10/10 video and content focus. you killed it again

[@StanWatt.]

'He' is not a 'she'

[@amtra1778]

whatever they are they're fuckin A1 at what they're doin@@StanWatt., but you're telling me that "madamcacti" is a he, not a she?

[@TheAchaicus]

What if they are complimenting her, not the video maker.

[@Giaphaige]

I didn't go this hard on it, but over the pandemic I too got bored and started doing succulents and cacti from seed. Never really kept either before but it was such a huge learning curve it kept me busy. I have about 70 different cacti and succulents now in the spare room of my house lol

[@MaggieJones-z7k]

How do you learn how to do this process?

[@The_Crucible714]

I tried this too, also reproducing goofy-azz African violets (from tissue culture) my friend’s mom gave me… 🥴

[@mistersir3020]

At the beginning of this video I thought this was an old lady who'd been doing this for decades. That's the power of the internet and channels like yours: one can go from random bored girl to expert cactus breeder in a couple years.

[@circuitsalsa]

I know they're 'ugly' but WOW those grafted individuals are actually so compelling, and the sheer variation of so many different cactus produced here is astounding. Thank you for taking us on this adventure!

[@ChadGardenSinLA]

This is what I love about the era we live in - anyone who has enough moxy can achieve their goals without formal training, using the tools available to everyday people. That greenhouse looks like it was built for their operation, and what a production they have in just three years! Way to go. Thanks for this video on genetics and inheritance.

[@alexjacques2768]

Madam Cacti we salute you! The knowledge and love that you have for these cacti is so inspiring. Thanks for allowing Tony to bring us into your world.

[@Tminus89]

It's rare to see much of 1 species, I'm sitting here with a big smile on my face because of all the nuances and differences.. So many beautiful patterns

[@Nikkiflausch]

This woman is my idol now. What a badass. Working my dream job in less time than it took me to get to a half-jungle home.

[@cindytimmerman857]

I am here for this! I have taught AP Bio for a decade- this is so entertaining and incredibly informative- keep up the good work!

[@yeswellfrombrittany6907]

Thanks Tony and Madame, this content should go to every school. 🌎☮🌈

[@carollyn8885]

"Topographic changes within the flat..." You had me flippin Rollin!!! LMFAO 😂😂😂

[@jordanlarson6488]

This collection and production process is amazing

[@rockwest001]

the car dependent death cult! No better way to describe it! I love cacti! Thanks for this very informative video

[@katiekane5247]

This grower is doing an amazing job here. Many thanks for sharing with us. Incredible array of plants.

[@HolyCannolis]

Really inspiring seeing someone become so passionate about a variety in such a short amount of time. 🌵❤️

[@captainmidnite93]

NOT a label on a stick to be seen. This gal is natural awesomeness !

[@Dylan-jf5tu]

I didn’t really care much for cacti being in Australia, always saw them as exotics that don’t have any ecological benefits. After watching this video I ordered seeds online and started growing some. Really exciting watching the seedlings start to develop their array of genetic traits as they get bigger.

[@anaritamartinho1340]

😮so many variation😮, from one fruit😮... if i was in that green house i would spend the day just looking for the distinction😮😮...Astrophytum caput-medusae😮😍...Congratulations is amazing green house of Astrophytum, beautiful job of Miss "Astrophytama"👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@takeiteazz]

I bought an asterias kabuto today and came here to learn more about it. I am actually getting my PhD in genetics and this was a wonderful explanation and example of population genetics. These plants are incredible, thank you so much for sharing them with us and this amazing video!

[@ginkgosunmontana7628]

I am blown away, the best cactus video I've ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@disophisis]

This collection absolutely blew my fucking gourd. I wish I knew a tenth of what this lady knows about cacti.

[@likeasorethumb0502]

every single video of yours overwhelms me with the majesty and beauty of nature. Thank you for these videos

[@Valkyrie9000]

Jesus this video is incredible. So much beauty. I remember learning about grafting in an AgSci class but actually seeing someone make "impossible" plants like that for fun is so cool. Life is amazing. Humans are amazing.

[@tecolote-]

I can honestly say without exaggerating that this is the best thing I’ve ever seen. 🌵

[@getintothewildwithjeffruma8777]

This lady is absolutely amazing. Thank you both for the video.

[@P4r4bo14]

I've been waiting for a video like this forever, one of my all time favorite plants.

[@IL_801]

As a beginner succulent owner in H-Town myself, it's really inspiring to see Madam Cacti's hard work pay off in such a hot and humid place 😅

[@MrEiht]

Much love to the lady. I do not want to know how she rolls if she gets serious when this was for shits and giggles :) I honestly thought things escalate when I get serious, but that lady outshines me on any given day.

[@sugarpeas45]

I recently started keeping Astrophytum Asterias because of you. They’re fascinating to stare at, and there’s something to be said about being able to hold something in the palm of your hand, that evolved in such a hostile environment.

[@leonstanford6810]

Where can I buy some seeds?

[@mainegreengrower4209]

That was awesome..tell her good job!

[@repus1386]

Perfect timing. I just purchased 3 astrophytum, and 6 lithops. Love the work

[@ogreenius]

Aww man, I love it when people get super good at things just because they love it so much! Delightful to hear her evident enthusiasm throughout. (and yours)

[@frankmacleod2565]

WOW!! Great work. I'm envious of that garden

[@eddiefniii]

We are lucky she’s in Houston and a member of our club. They are an awesome family. Sooo nice.

[@ericj.wilkinson9317]

This is what we should be doing with our time !

[@bobsiddoway]

Glorious!!! Those things grow sooooo slowly!!!

[@swampmonkey3]

This video was absolutely fascinating! I can’t wait to finish with work and watch it again. So much explained that I wondered about. I’ve dabbled in growing cacti from seed over the years but now I’m really motivated to try some more. Thank you madame cacti and Tony!

[@chefntoast]

Bruhh 1st off ,hope my state treated you well. Man the way you spit out knowledge is fluffin impressive . Love these videos , love the knowledge, thanks 🙏🏽

[@markwells8631]

Wow, this is so cool!!! I am extremely impressed with this woman's sacred sanctuary. Some of the most beautiful specimens I've ever seen. She has acquired a masters degree, a PhD in botany. I would love for her to write a book about how to cultivate, propagate, care for, and preserve the endangered sacred species, astrophytum asterias, its cultivars, and family. She has an immense understanding of its life cycle, genetic variations, thus its evolution. She definitely has a green thumb. Her love for the subject is beyond vast. You two have a lot in common, lol Thank you for this awesome video. Btw, I subscribed to your channel after viewing this treasure chest of info and eye candy.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Dang, what a pro! She's a fastidious af cactus mama

[@danielirvin4420]

That was fantastic. I could watch a slow pan of those trays for hours.

[@Toddis]

That seedling tray she was holding is one of the most mesmerizing things ive ever seen

[@ecomandurban7183]

Thanks. This was very interesting in particular growing cactus from seed as a child nearly 65 years ago is what got be into a life of horticulture

[@risenfromyoutubesashesagai6302]

My all time favorite genus... the beautiful Astrophytum. I love so many different genus types, but the mighty Astro always keeps my heart.

[@larrysmith4918]

That is some beautiful inventory you have there. I admire your hard work and attention to detail.

[@gardengatesopen]

This is AMAZING!! A truly incredible body of work!!! I'm so very impressed! Like she said, I bet that room IS really good for a calming experience. I could stare at those tiny cacti all day!!

[@ovenbird50]

We have Chinese propagated cacti and succulents at the San Diego Zoo that were confiscated at Long Beach Port. They are unidentified. Astrophytum asterias is one species. Would you like to help us with the myriad Echeverias we have not identified? We also have a very skinny cactus we can't identify.

[@ivan_prime]

In Soviet Russia cactus identifies YOU! 🌵

[@Alex-ki1yr]

You would need to email him that q

[@JessHull]

@@ivan_prime that's actually true, most people don't realize.

[@ivan_prime]

@@JessHull I know, right? 🙂

[@dougblack9638]

Thanks so much for sharing your incredible collection Gieryl!

[@GoingtoHecq]

I love the Anole just hanging out near the end. This place is perfect for them.

[@suzubee9602]

If she had her own channel I'd 100% watch

[@sjmazzoli]

hola tony joe...this is amazing...good job bro'

[@pragmaticcrystal]

Thank you Joey…another informative video 👍

[@cyrusf.4039]

Incredible what some people do! very impressive and thanks for making this available.

[@donfinch862]

Lots of respect for Madam Cactii. And awesome post. Cheers

[@sagetmaster4]

CPBBD helping change the world

[@EnglishDave6767]

Ahhh, yeah! Thanks 🙏 so much Joey. Cheers, from the Southern Oregon Coast!

[@jordannicholson9893]

Glad I’m a reptile nerd when he started talking about dominant and recessive traits

[@ryanbestel5695]

Super cool video. Thanks.

[@jamesraymond1158]

Wonderful demonstration of the great variety of recessive genes, and what happens when you select for them. It helps to explain why there are now 600 varieties of potato whereas 500 yrs ago there were only one or two species (in the Andes).

[@jhall6293]

As a self-proclaimed "cactus nerd," I appreciate THE hell out of this video! Thank you - and thank you, MadamCacti - friggin' amazing!

[@gieraylclepper2031]

Always mind blowing and educational videos!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@Unhacker]

My favorite topic and the main reason I watch this channel well that and the accent gfy

[@tonystewart7624]

Hey Brother I just wanted to say thank you. I just discovered your channel a few days ago and I have been really enjoying the content.

[@locutia7]

Fascinating! I have a tray of fish hook barrel cactus, taking forever to grow! Great teaching.

[@KimonFrousios]

Astrophytums are stunning in their variety! And this lady's collection and breeding output is ludicrous! I could spend weeks in there just admiring and nitpicking their patterns

[@Soldier9478]

I just got a cactus 🌵, your video came just in time

[@HFeyn]

Do you think you might visit/make a video about a nepenthes nursery some day? Species seedlings have some incredible diversity and there's sooooo many cultivars. Not from the US, so I don't know them by name, but I think there's a whole bunch of nurseries in Cali.

[@Burley_Bert]

This East coast menace NEEDS to invade the Nurseries around Half Moon Bay Soon!

[@grannyplants1764]

The best Nepenthes nursery is California Carnivores, founder Peter DAmato wrote the best book called The Savage Garden. They also have great you tubes. I think Joey did do a video there 🌱

[@lesterandrews1894]

They really are Beautiful 😊 It inspires me to do 1 thing well. No matter what it is

[@herbbirdsfoot]

Hook up with Renny in Santa Barbara and do Haworthia or Gasteria next .;)

[@kellinomnom]

Huge thank you to this woman! Wow

[@carlosaguero-sanz9082]

I LOVED this video. I'm just watching it for a second time. Fascinating! Thanks to the lady who's project this is!

[@lyudmillawasright.]

Absolutely amazing ❤

[@heckzotica]

Excellent video as always! What a collection. Thank you Madame Cacti for sharing!

[@royireland1127]

Love this kind of work!

[@sayeager5559]

It blows my mind that CNN turned me onto this channel. Thank you Jenny Moos.

[@Grateful.For.Everything]

So many cool patterns! Thanks for doin what You do!

[@theminized]

extremely fascinating video. the work that Madam Cacti is doing is so incredible. thanks for sharing!

[@ciscoterres717]

She must had been impressed by a visitor who knew so much about cactus. If I went there, I'd be like 'oh. cactus. You got spiky ones there... and theres a bunch that look like little balls. cool."

[@Fabdanc]

Stunning.

[@gallaherchris]

Great video, I love the cactus videos because I know very little about them. Thank you for sharing this video and your knowledge.

[@kerriefearby9542]

After watching this i realise we have a lot to thank COVID for. This lady is amazing. I salute her from here in Australia 🦘🦘🦘

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Love this video. Does this gardener sell her plants?

[@MrGrombie]

Loves these videos so much, I let the ads play for 30 seconds before skipping. 😂

[@gnollman]

Great video, amazing grower there. I'd love to have a greenhouse like that.

[@taiyajarva2918]

Astrophytums are my favorite kind of cactus and as a biologist I love the connection to genetics and evolution. Well done! 👏

[@BelgianSpeedcuber]

Dude!! Thank you so much for your informative videos!! The cactusnoob in me can't thank you enought for all this info. You're my cacti sensei!! 🤘🤘💚🌵

[@calnative4904]

Excellent and interesting

[@kewn8286]

At 31:58 she meant to say Turface MVP and not Perlite. It's the stuff they use to keep baseball fields dry. I use it as well as it is much cheaper than a big bag of pumice. They have a locator on their website if you need to find some near you. This video was really cool stumbling upon because I get to meet her next month at an event! Love your channel.

[@jonni2317]

infinite diversity in infinite combinations. its beautiful

[@AndreaDingbatt]

Wow!! Thank you Very Much for Sharing this with us All 💗 Awesome Upload 💯!! Fantastic to See People who Care about the Environment!! ❤

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Incredible. Mind blowing! Wow

[@GnosticChef]

Interesting name for the 5 th genome, The most common interpretation of Medusa suggests she is an apotropaic symbol used to protect from and ward off the negative, much like the modern evil eye. She represents a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil. I wonder what type of protection this one offers, blessing brother thank you for sharing

[@vomact1052]

Another great show Tony!

[@Totalinternalreflection]

What a feast for the eyes

[@RAREDRAGONFRUIT]

Absolutely stunning collection.

[@bobsiddoway]

Astrophytum is TOO badass. 🤙🔥