Frailea pygmaea (Speg.) Britton & Rose

Frailea pygmaea as the name implies ("pygmaeus" meaning dwarf) is a very small cactus. It has long tuberous roots and the length is from 2 to 3 cm wide.
 It has a flattened, light green to dull green body, depressed at the crown, with a turbinate base, plant size is 1 to 3 cm across.
 I grow them in rich and porous soil. The plant needs to dry out between watering and enjoys full sun but in a shaded position.

  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. I have kept this plant for well over 15 years and have to see the flower but it keeps producing seeds.

 

The above shows some seeds that were harvested and sown three weeks ago.