Adromischus, belonging to the Crassulaceae family, is a South African endemic genus, of small clumping species. Several of these species are quite popular and can be found pretty easily in the cactus and succulent section of most nurseries and garden centres. Their leaves are their fascination: oddly shaped, interestingly marked, and endlessly variable. They have small, upright flowers, generally white to pink to lavender, with fused petals. Most species of Adromischus are propagated easily by seeds or leaf cuttings. Adromischus require a well-drained soil mixture and a dry atmosphere. They grow best in part shade. Water mostly in spring and autumn and let them dry out between watering. Keep drier in winter and water early in the day during summer. They are prone to mealy bug attacks, which can be controlled with a soapy solution sprayed directly onto the plants and washed of an hour later with clean water. Adromischus species are frost hardy to -7°C. Adromischus are well suited to pot culture or being grown on windowsills and do well in raised garden beds and rockeries.

Adromischus maculatus, commonly known as Calico Hearts, Chocolate Heart, Chocolate Drop or Cheetah Heart in English and Bontplakkie in Afrikaans, is a low-growing perennial succulent, up to 35cm tall, with fibrous roots, forming small clusters or mats. The stem is short, somewhat woody, decumbent to prostrate and up to 15cm long. It is an ornamental succulent with fairly flat, wedge-shaped, thick leaves, which are often beautifully marked with chocolate-brown spots, giving them a marbled appearance. Adromischus maculatus originates from the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa, where it grows on sandstone slopes in the Langeberg Mountains, from near Worcester to north of George and eastwards to Uniondale.