Xerophyte

Seeds

Very big 3-3,5 mm wide. The seed is shaped strangely for a cactus, and is often described as “hat” or “boat” shaped with a prominent edge. That is a good description, for it is among the few cactus seeds that float! They are thought to be dispersed in habitat by floating away on runoff.

Description

Frailea castaneaSN|3523]]SN|3524]] (a.k.a. Frailea asterioidesSN|3524]]SN|3523]]) is a very singular miniature plant, and one the of most fascinating cacti with a disk like, flattened to globose body.

Note

This plant is short living (It does not live long - about 10-15 years).

Flowers

Sulphur yellow, sometimes larger than the plant itself (4cm diameter). But don't be disappointed when the easily produced buds fail to open. Fraileas are cleistogamous meaning that their flowers produce seed without even opening. Without the need for pollination, hence the buds rarely reach full bloom and remain closed. They will open only in great heat in the hottest, brightest, afternoon sun, if at all.

Spines

3-15 minute, short, black spider-like, appressed on the plant body and usually all bent downward.

Stem

It is diminutive in size and several remain solitary, never outgrowing 4-5 cm diameter. Stems are chocolate brown or dark reddish-green with 8-15 flat ribs.

Fruits

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