It is found over a relatively small area of south-central Africa from the Magato mountains in Limpopo province of South Africa at its southern limit, northwards along the southern side of the central watershed of Zimbabwe and extending into hilly locations on the south side of the Zambezi river in Mozambique, with two outlying populations forming its northern limits around Mulanje mountain in Malawi and in the Kafue Gorge just across the Zambezi river in Zambia.

[2] Within this range, it favours localities with good drainage and moderately stable soils, such as rocky, wooded hillsides.

It tolerates light frost during its resting (and flowering) season which occurs occasionally at its favoured altitudes of 800–1600 metres.

[3] It has attracted the attention of gardeners and parks planners for its imposing appearance and tolerance for a wide range of conditions.

In its natural habitat, it thrives best when given plenty of water during its growing season but requires a sharp dry period with cooler conditions when the impressive flowers appear.