Gibbaeums are bizarre succulents that grow hidden amongst pebbles; the entire genus is endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, occurring only in the arid habitats of the Little Karoo and surrounds. Belonging to the Mesembryanthemaceae family, generally referred to as Mesembs, some common names include Mimicry Plants, Volstruistone, Duimpie-snuif, Papegaaibek, Vinger-en-duim, Visbekvygie and volstruiswater. Their characteristic is two unequal leaves closely pressed together. Their name comes from the Latin for hump. Gibbaeums grow easily from seed and are ideal container plants. They also grow well in rockeries. They form very attractive clumps and are highly attractive when in flower. In summer water them only when they start shrivelling, water more abundantly when they are growing in autumn and spring. Keep them rather dry at the cold of the winter. They will take a light frost if they are in dry soil.

Gibbaeum velutinum Pink, synonymously known as Mentocalyx velutina, is a mat forming plant up to 5cm tall. It is a slow growing species, spreading into grey-green carpets. It is rather variable in its leaf shape and size ranging from plants with long and narrow leaves to plants with short and thick leaves. Gibbaeum velutinum resembles a small Glottiphyllum in its growth of fleshy leaves and flowers of either pink or white.