Frailea cataphracta (Dams) Britton & Rose
Growth Habits: Grows to 1 1\4 inches [3cm] dia, less tall and concave on top sometimes clumping in cultivation.
Scientific name: Frailea cataphracta.
Common names: None.
Synonym: Echinocactus cataphractus, Frailea uhligiana, Frailea cataphractoides, Frailea matoana, Frailea melitae
Etymology: Named after the Spaniard Manuel Fraile.
cataphracta means armoured or mail-clad.
Origin: Paraguay and Brazil
Light: Partial shade.
Compost: A free draining standard cactus mix.
Water: Regular water in spring to autumn allowing soil to dry between waterings, keep dry in winter.
Flower: Yellow, often failing to open except on really hot sunny afternoons.
Min temp: Best kept frost free but will take a slight frost for short periods.
Cultivation: As with all Frailea it remains small and is an ideal plant where space is at a premium.
References. http://www.cactus-art.biz
Comments. The flowers are Cleistogamous, meaning they can self pollinate and produce seeds without ever opening.
Plants are short lived normally 10 to 15 years.
Grows amongst grass and small bushes in partial shade.
Plant shown in main image is Frailea cataphracta var. tuyensis AA12
Habitat image by Alexander Arzberger
flowering shot of main plant.
seeds from Frailea cataphracta var. tuyensis AA12