Xerophyte

Central Spines

Absent.

Description

Frailea cataphractaSN|21482]]SN|3597]] is a very small depressed cactus that do usually not sprout in nature, but in culture with age begins to clump around the base and grow oddly. It is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cacti.

Note

Some of the most sought-after Fraileas are those with dark purple “moons” under their areoles. Frailea cataphractaSN|3534]]SN|3597]] is the most typical example, but remarkable dark “moons” are also found in several other species like

Flowers

Sulphur yellow from the top of the plant, 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.

Ribs

10 to 15 with low and broad crescent-shaped tubercles flatted above, with a purple-brown lunate, blots situated below the areoles.

Stem

Dull-green and dark-brown or purplish, globose-flattened 1-2(-4) cm in diameter, deeply imbilicate at apex

Radial Spines

5-9 straight 1-2 mm long, appressed, yellowish or whitish.

Fruits

Dry indehiscent with scales and bristles that detach easily, pericarp membranous, fragile that break easily releasing the seed.