It is the type species of the genus Duvalia, and it is endemic to the Western Cape Province, South Africa.

The centre of the flower is covered by a prominent, flat coronal disc, which is not glossy, and is often a lighter colour.

[1][2] This species is indigenous to the Western Cape Province, South Africa, where it occurs at an altitude of 150–400 meters.

It occurs in the Breede River Valley, from Robertson and Ashton, to Montagu, southwards to Drew, Stormsvlei and Swellendam.

In the Overberg region to the south, it occurs around Heidelberg and as far east as the area around Riversdale, often co-occurring with Euphorbia tridentata.