Conophytum — 18 species

Conophytum is a genus of miniature South African succulents — the cone plants and button plants — that grow as paired, fused leaf bodies resembling small pebbles or cones. They are a collector's genus, exceptionally compact and slow-growing. Give them full sun or the brightest windowsill available; insufficient light causes etiolation. Follow their winter-growing, summer-dormant cycle: water freely in autumn and winter, then reduce to almost none from late spring until new bodies emerge. Toxicity varies across the genus, so verify the safety of each species before bringing one home if you have pets.