[1] It is found in the Little Karoo region, in the far east of the Western Cape Province, South Africa.

This species is easily recognizable by its leaves which have a nearly rectangular crosssection and are arranged in two opposite rows.

The end of a leaf – the upper surface – gives the impression of having been cut (or truncated), hence the specific epithet truncata.

The truncated tip has a leaf window; i.e. it is translucent, allowing light to enter for photosynthesis.

In temperate regions, H. truncata is usually grown under glass or indoors, as it does not tolerate freezing temperatures.