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Vlokia ater was the first species described for the genus Vlokia in the Aizoaceae plant family. The genus name (generic epithet) honors the discoverer, South African botanist, Jan H. J. Vlok (1957-). The species name (specific epithet) derives from the Latin adjective "ater" for "black" and refers to the black coloring which older leaf leaves assume.
Vlokia ater is a perennial succulent plant. It has short Botany, which usually bear a single leaf pair. Its growth habit is compact to spreading.
The Leaf are small, dotted, grayish-green to brownish-green and remain on the plants for several years turning dull black. They are about long, as well as about wide and thick. The leaves are fused together and enclose the stem.
The solitary flower is carried in a bract which sits on a short pedicel. There are six sepals. The mauve to rose-pink petals do not spread wide and are long and wide. Numerous (up to 80), pink or white staminodes surround the approximately 16 stamens. The nectaries form a dark green ring.
Vlokia ater blooms in early spring (August–September in habitat). The short-lived flowers open at noon and close at dusk.
The are usually six- (rarely five- or seven-) fold and often blacken with increasing age. The seeds are very dark brown, pear-shaped and very hard.
The Red List of South African Plants at the South African National Biodiversity Institute describes Vlokia ater as 'critically rare'.
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