Cheiridopsis is one of the most intriguing succulent genera in the family Aizoaceae, the ice-plant family, a group especially diverse in the arid west of southern Africa. It is native to the winter-rainfall landscapes of western South Africa and southwestern Namibia, where it is found growing among Conophytum, Dinteranthus, Fenestraria, Lithops, Titanopsis, Antimima, Cephalophyllum and Astridia, Aloinopsis, Argyroderma, Monilaria, Oophytum, Deilanthe, Dactylopsis to name but a few. These plants are admired for their sculptural paired leaves, which may be finger-like, rounded, beak-like or sharply keeled, often in blue-grey or powdery tones. Many species form papery protective sheaths as they pass into dormancy, then re-emerge with surprisingly bold, daisy-like flowers, in shades of white, yellow, orange, red, pink and purple, that often open in the middle of the day. Even their seed capsules are beautifully adapted to desert life, opening when wet so rain can trigger seed release at exactly the right moment. These drought tolerant/waterwise gems are well suited to shallow bowls, pots, rockeries, windowsills and part shade to full sun.

Cheiridopsis purpurea is a dwarf perennial succulent that forms clumps. The leaves are paired and the flowers are solitary. They do very well in pots. They grow well in sandy soils that are well drained and mineral rich. They are winter growers and should be watered during autumn and winter. It is best to keep them dry at the hottest time of the year to avoid rotting.