The genus Acrodon is restricted to a swath along the southeast and southern coast of the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa. The plants are characterized by three-sided leaves with small teeth growing in rows along the edges and keels as well as their solitary flowers, the petals of which can be striped. They grow in tufts or form small mats. The plants are popular and were first introduced into cultivation in Europe at the end of the 18th century. The genus Acrodon is endemic to South Africa. The name was derived from the Greek words ‘akros’ (point) and ‘odus’ (tooth), referring to the toothed leaves. Acrodon are very hardy, but like frequent watering and an acidy, sandy soil. They naturally grow and flower in late winter but are easily convertible to summer, or indeed to continuous, growth. They are easily propagated by seed and are well suited to pot culture or rockeries.

Acrodon purpureostylus is a South African endemic mesemb succulent with a range from Bonnievale to Robertson and McGregor in the Western Cape Province where it can be found growing amongst Fynbos on dry gravel loams, often stony slopes or flats on shale. It bears stunningly beautiful pink to purple striped flowers and has grey to green leaves and stems which ramble on the grown to form small tufts. Some of its synonyms include Cerochlamys purpureostyla, Erepsia purpureostyla, Mesembryanthemum purpureostylum, Ruschia forficata sensu and Ruschia purpureostyla.