It grows multiple proliferous stems, all covered in untidy masses of the shiny, mottled, colourful, succulent leaves.

[1][2] There are three major varieties, which grade into each other: G. bicolor naturally occurs over a wide area of the Eastern Cape.

In its natural habitat, it is typically found on rocky slopes and outcrops in the thicket vegetation of the region, and is particularly common around Port Elizabeth, a summer rainfall region.

Only hardy down to 5 °C (41 °F), in temperate regions it must be grown under glass in the winter months.

lilliputana has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.