In article , Sam
writes
hi folks,

i was given 2 packets of mixed cactus seed. i wonder if anyone could
provide me with some pointers on how to ID them.

both packets are from different brands but they contain the same three
types. i take this as that either they are the 3 most common or
cheapest seeds or that they are the threee most easy to grow.

-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

There are several thousand species of cacti, including several hundred
with small black shiny seeds.

If they are cacti, you are likely to have several species of Cereus and
other columnar cacti, several Rebutia and several Mammillaria, and
probably others as well. You haven't a hope of ID until you've grown
them!

I'd be very surprised indeed if your three basic types of seed included
only 3 types of cacti.

Quite apart from that, the pea sized one doesn't sound like any cactus I
know, nor does 'bean shape', so I suspect the packet includes some
'other succulents'.
--
Kay Easton

Edward's earthworm page:
http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm