The genus Trichodiadema, comprised of around thirty species, is found in southern Namibia and in the Northern, Western, and Eastern Cape Provinces in South Africa. The small shrubby plants are characterized by the diadems of small radiating hairs at the leaf tips. In addition, many species possess a caudiciform base or tuberous roots. They flower from winter to late spring and normally after good rains. The plants are easy to grow and prefer full sun and need adequate water during the blooming season.

Trichodiadema intonsum is a South African endemic succulent synonymously known as Mesembryanthemum bulbosum, Mesembryanthemum intonsum, Mesembryanthemum intonsum var. rubicundum, Trichodiadema bulbosum or Trichodiadema concinnum from the Eastern Cape Province. Trichodiadema intonsum (not to be confused with the yellow-flowered Trichodiadema introrsum) is a small, low, clumping shrub. The leaves are tipped with radiating bristles (diadems) that have dark cup cells at the base. These bristles come together to form a hard and extremely sharp point. The solitary flowers are pink, on short stalks, and the base of the calyx is hairy.