The genus name, Apatesia is derived from the Greek word apatesis which means deception. This is due to the resemblance these plants have to Hymenogyne species. The genus contains only three species, namely Apatesia helianthoides, Apatesia pillansii and Apatesia sabulosa. Apatesia species have a few distinguishing features. Most notably is that all of them are annual mesembs with flat stalked leaves and that their yellow flowers are quite large and are borne during early summer on long stalks. These are followed by seed capsules that contain only a few round smooth seeds. Members of this genus are endemic to the Western Cape Province of South Africa. They grow in a broad band running parallel to the west coast from Cape Town northwards to Vanrhynsdorp. They are all well suited to pot culture which adds to their ease of cultivation.

Apatesia pillansii is an annual with flat slightly succulent leaves with bladder cells along the margins and cymes of yellow flowers. It is well suited to pot culture which adds to their ease of cultivation.