Gibbaeum pubescens leaves

Gibbaeum pubescens is the most common of the Gibbaeum or haaibekkie dwarf leaf succulents of their genus. The clump of silvery leaf-bodies form a mound with age. The stubby leaf-pairs differ in the one being markedly longer or finger-like while the other one (or lower jaw of the shark) shorter; both well-rounded.

Some insects have eaten holes into some leaves of the plant in picture. This happens all the time in nature. More leaves are grown, so this is usually not life-threatening to the plant, particularly in the good times. (What else is there to eat but other organisms?)

People cultivating plants do all sorts of things to chase away or kill plant consumers... and wish for more pollinators while imposing exacting requirements on their plant environment. Banning insects from the living space of protege plants in greenhouses, using insecticides and what have you bring unintended consequences.

Eradicating unwanted species reduces biodiversity, often accompanied by unforeseen, negative knock-on effects. So, we learn to use neem oil, chili pepper or soap sprays, diatomaceous earth, tomato leaves or companion planting of garlic or other species to chase rather than to kill.

Plants themselves develop a variety of defence mechanisms like thorns, hairs, thick skins, chemical changes affecting their taste to herbivores and other devices for securing their survival.

Sacrificing the occasional leaf may be a beneficial contract to sustain pollinators for guaranteed flower visits. Perfection is not for this world unless appropriately defined. Appropriate involves a context and limitation (Frandsen, 2017; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; www.treehugger.com).