[2] The species name is the namesake of Edward Garwood Alston, who was a plant enthusiast from Cape Province, South Africa.

The branches grow variably decumbent to erect with grey, grey-green, or brown-green, peeling bark.

The tubular, green-brown sepals are topped with white or slightly pink, triangular petals.

[4] It is found growing among rock outcrops and lower slopes, from South West Africa to the north-western Cape Province.

[6] Adromischus alstonii's succulent leaves allow for long periods of drought, wrinkling when they are ready for water.