Argyroderma is a genus is in the Aizoaceae family consisting of over 50 species of mesembs indigenous to South Africa. The genus name is derived from the Greek words argyros (silver) and derma (skin), which describes the silvery blue-grey-green leaves that are characteristic of this genus. These unique plants are among those known as living stones or stone plants, because their blue-green leaves resemble small stones. They form small clumps of egg-shaped leaves that are cleft in the centre. Solitary daisy-like flowers, usually white, yellow, or purple, appear in the cleft. Like most succulents, they prefer to be kept dry in winter and are also damaged by repeated frosts. Their preferred mode of cultivation is a bright and sunny position with gritty free-draining soil. They may be propagated from seed, or careful division of established clumps. All are well suited to pot culture. The plants are extremely popular among collectors. They should be treated like Lithops and watered during the summer. Care, however, must be taken not to water the plants too much lest the leaves split. Argyroderma prefer a well-drained loamy soil; they don’t like frequent repotting and can be grown in relatively small pots for years. They are propagated by seed or division of multi-headed plants.

Argyroderma patens is restricted to the northern Knersvlakte. This dwarf plant divides to form a round cluster of up to 80mm in diameter. The leaves are fused for two-thirds of their length to form cylindrical, oblong leaf pairs, which taper slightly towards their bases. The tips are close together or may be gaping, about 2mm apart. The flowers are bright yellow.