Cheiridopsis schlechteri

These plants grow as cushion-like clumps with a height of 3–8 cm (1.2–3.1 in) and diameter of 4–12 cm (1.6–4.7 in).[2][3] The paired leaves are a dark grey-green in colour, particularly on the margins. They are also spotted with idioblasts.[2] The leaves do not form resting sheaths, but shrivel and are held close to the plant when they are dormant.[2]

This species shows much geographic variability.[2] The plants north of Eenriet and Steinkopf have white leaves with long papillae, while those around Gamoep have darker green leaves, raised idioblasts, and thicker reddish margins.[2][3] The population around Eenriet was initially classified as Cheiridopsis pulverulenta but many intermediate forms between this form and the more typical specimens have since been found. [2] Plants on the Geelvlei plateau are particularly small, with diameters of less than 2 cm (0.79 in). While the bright conditions they grow in n this region stunts their growth, there may be a genetic component as even cultivated specimens remain this small.[2]

Solitarily borne flowers are most common in mid-winter but are present into spring (between August and September).[2][4] They range in colour from ivory (in Areb and Umduas) to lemon yellow (in Springbok) to a bright yellow-orange and are large relative to the size of the plant (diameter of 2–4 cm (0.79–1.57 in)).[2][3] Some flowers may also show a faint pink blush.[2]

While 10-locular fruit are most common, the fruit range between 9-12-locular.[4]

This species is endemic to the Northern Cape of South Africa.[5] It prefers dry habitats.[6] It grows on gneiss slopes, or on quartzite, shale or calcrete flats between Eenriet, Umduas, Gamoep and Bushmanland.[4]

Cheiridopsis schlechteri is considered to be of least concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.[5]