On 25 Apr 2004 10:22:07 -0700, (Sam) wrote:

i was given 2 packets of mixed cactus seed. i wonder if anyone could
provide me with some pointers on how to ID them.
snip
-one type looks like a small shrivelled pea.
-the other is small, black and shiny and bean shaped. reminds me of a
flea without legs
-the other is similar in shape and colour but much larger.about 5mm
long

Well,

I don't go a great bundle on cacti nowadays, but I've grown a lot from
seed in the past. I can't think of any that have seeds so large you
could describe them as being like a small shrivelled pea or bean
shaped and certainly none that are up to 5mm. long. Every cactus seed
I've seen has been little larger than a pin head and 1mm. across would
be on the large side. I can't help thinking you've been sold
something completely different, although goodness knows what. You
might have the dried fruits which contain the seeds - were you given
the seeds by a grower or are they 'shop-bought'? Are there any names
on the packet?