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Antegibbaeum fissoides - Schwantes ex C. Weber
Aizoaceae

The genus Antegibbaeum is a monotypic genus (there is only one specie in the genus).  The name is derived from the Latin word ante (before) and the genus Gibbaeum which suggests that it is primitive to Gibbaeum.   The plants are also known as volstruistone (ostrich toes) and mimicry plants.   This plant used to be included into the genus Gibbaeum due its superficial resemblance but it is now considered not to be closely related.

These dwarf succulents have upright or prostrate stems (approximately 100 mm in length) with succulent leaves.  The smooth grey-green leaves are keeled on the lower surface and flat on the upper surface, the leaf tips are obtuse.  The leaves usually turn reddish in colour during the winter months.

The flowers, which are borne on a short pedicel, are large (60 mm in diameter), purple or deep pink in colour.  Two pairs of bracts are present, six unequal,  keeled sepals are present, sepals have membranous margins, no filimentacous staminoides (they may be present in the genus Gibbaeum, one reason to separate A. fissoides from Gibbaeum.  Another reason is the presence of a continuous ring of glands which are not present in Gibbaeum.  The fruit is six to seven locular which is conical in shape, covering membranes present, closing mechanism absent, seeds rough and brown in colour.

Plants occur in shale and quartzite patches in the semi-arid Little Karoo, Western Cape, RSA (winter rainfall region with an annual rainfall of less than 300mm).

An easy specie to cultivate from seeds or cuttings, regular water and feedings, full sun.  Plants can be grown in a greenhouse or in rockeries, protect from frost (USDA ).  Plants prefer a well drained mineral rich soil.

/ Antegibbeaum / Cheiridopsis / Conophytums / Dinteranthus / Fenestria / Gibbeaum / Hammeria / Lithops / Pleiospilos /