Rabiea is one of the Aizoaceae genera that produces compact, tufted aloe-like leaf rosettes. The thickly succulent leaves, triangular in cross-section and often sickle-shaped, typify the genus.

The dense covering of leaf surface dots, here dark green on a pale green surface bulge slightly in tubercle fashion. They may also be white or black on some Rabiea leaves or disappear somewhat from cultivated plants. Upper or inner leaf surfaces are more or less flat, the outer ones normally keeled; keels varying in prominence on the different species.

The six Rabiea species are mainly found in the Eastern Cape and the Free State, with some occurring in the northern Cape (Smith, et al, 1998).