Xerophyte

Central Spines

Solitary, stouter than the radials.

Description

Frailea schilinzkyanaSN|3634]]SN|3634]] is a very small cactus that remains solitary or (occasiaonally) somewhat cespitose. The crested form Frailea schilinzkyanaSN|3634]]SN|3634]] f. cristata is very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features.

Roots

Fat central tap root.
Has a swollen root below the surface of the compost.

Flowers

Yellow small, infundibuliform, often cleistogamous (Even when their flowers do not open, they still form fruits with many seeds)

Blooming Season

Flowers will open only in great heat, in the hottest, brightest, afternoon sun, if at all.

Ribs

Very indistinct and strongly tubercled

Stem

Fan shaped, diminutive in size, flattened on top, depressed centrally, Medium dark brownish green.

Radial Spines

About 12 to 14 short (2 to 3 mm long) which vary from yellow to dark tannish-brow n or blackish in colour, more or less appressed and reflexed.

Fruits

Dry, indehiscent, that detach easily, yellowish, pericarp membranous, fragile that break easily, releasing the seed.

Areoles

Placed on the upper side of the tubercles.