[5] It is a fig of variable habit depending on the local climate and substrate, typically a stunted subshrub on elevated rocky ridges, or potentially a large tree on warmer plains and lowlands.

In 1829 the missionary Robert Moffat found a rare giant specimen, into which seventeen thatch huts of a native tribe were placed, so as to be out of reach of lions.

[5] Substrates include lava flows, coral and limestone in drier, exposed areas,[3] and sandstone or dolomite in bushveld.

[8] The smooth and leathery, dull-green leaves are narrowly ovate oblong, bright red brown when young,[9] with conspicuous yellow veins that are prominent beneath[10] and loop along the leaf margin.

[11] In the Magaliesberg and Witwatersrand bankenveld they typically straddle boulders or are closely pressed to sunny, north to west-facing (in southern hemisphere) rock faces.

[13] In South Africa a decoction of the bark mixed with cow feed is said to increase the flow of milk,[14] though the leaves have been shown to be toxic to cattle, and sometimes to sheep.