Argyroderma fissum finger-like leaves

The silvery grey, succulent leaves of Argyroderma fissum disclose the origin of the generic name, Argyroderma: The Greek word argyros means silver and derma means skin.

A finger-shape is evident in the paired leaves, identical and ascending, fused at the base. The upper surface of the leaf is flat, the lower one well-rounded, as is the tip. The leaves are invariably smooth-textured, while some forms of A. fissum develop red leaf tips or yellowish and even greenish leaf surfaces.

This is also the Argyroderma species with a notable difference in flower colour; there are orange ones apart from the common purple colour (Frandsen, 2017; Smith, et al, 1998; Herre, 1971; iNaturalist).