• Gibbaeum argenteum N.E.Br.

• Gibbaeum pubescens (Haw.) N.E.Br.
• Mesembryanthemum pubescens Haw.
• Gibbaeum argenteum N.E.Br.

Description: Mat-forming. In habitat it forms large colonies composed by raised and prominent clumps that appears conspicuous in the low shrubby vegetation because of the whitish colour of the foliage
Stems: Short, woody, enveloped by the remains of dead leaves.
Leaves: On each shoot there are two or three pairs of leaves of very unequal length, the longer about 2,5 cm and the other about a third as long. The leaves are united at the base, flare, appear in alternating lengths. They are whitish due the felt-like, silvery pubescence which clothes them.

Notes: Various species of the genus Gibbaeum are called in Afrikaans, ‘Haaibekkie’. In English this ‘beak of a shark’. This very apt name is derived from the shape of the two leaves that together form the plant growth. They differ in size and because these leaves grow closely together the fissure of most species looks exactly like the beak of a shark, though without the teeth of course.