See text Pachyphytum is a small genus of succulents in the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae, native to Mexico, where species can be found growing at elevations from 600 to 1,500 metres (2,000 to 4,900 ft) above sea level.

The generic name comes from the ancient Greek pachys ('thick') and phyton ('plant'), a reference of the succulent nature of the leaves.

The member species of the genus Pachyphytum are perennial succulent plants, which grow as hairless rosettes on ever-lengthening, somewhat delicate stems.

The upright plants grow up to 70 cm when young, and develop into a prostrate growth habit over time (to over 1 meter in length, in some cases).

The youngest leaves are, more or less, erect, later spreading and flattening slightly; the older foliage often curls-back.

The primary, natural distribution of Pachyphytum is restricted to eastern and central Mexico, where the plants grow on rocky, well-drained slopes at altitudes of 600 to 2500 m. Some species, such as P. oviferum and P. hookeri, have been introduced to or established in small locales of other countries within Latin America, such as Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, among others.