Xerophyte

Habit

Plant cespitose, sprouting around the base to form clumps.

Central Spines

1-2(-3), erect.

Seeds

Smooth, brown, obovate, 1,5 mm long, angled on the back; depressed hilum much smaller than in Frailea cataphractaSN|2188]]SN|3597]].

Description

Frailea pumilaSN|3597]]SN|2188]] is one of the largest of the globular species, attaining a diameter of up to five centimetres. It has many low, tuberculate ribs, while the areoles have whitish felt and about 18 radial spines that are more or less curved and point in all directions.

Roots

It has a well-developed contractile tuberous root system. These tuberose roots have the function of storing enough sustenance so that plants can survive the periods of drought that they have to endure. Tuberous roots also have the function of anchoring the plants into the ground.

Flowers

2 cm long, yellow; axils of scales on the ovary and flower-tube woolly and setose.

Spines

All pubescent, 1-5 mm long, yellowish brown not readily distinguishable as centrals and radials

Ribs

13 to 20, flat, more distinct than in the related species, more or less tuberculate.

Stem

Sub-globular, flattened and umbilicate at apex, 2-5 cm in diameter and 2 cm high, deep green, sometimes becoming reddish.

Radial Spines

9 to 14, setaceous, more or less appressed.

Fruits

Green.

Areoles

Small, nearly circular.