Another common name is "Bokverwurg" ("Goat-choaker"), on account of the extremely hard, sharp leaves on its stems.

[2] Its stems are described as densely covered in sharp, triangular succulent leaves, with a glossy leaf-surface, a grey-brown colour, and with white margins and keels.

This species produces small, robust, cream-white flowers in May to October (southern hemisphere), on an unbranched inflorescence.

The flowers typically do not have pedicels (sessile), and their lobes curve outwards.

[3] This species is widely distributed across the Karoo flats of the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces, South Africa.