A proliferous, caulescent succulent, with sharp smooth dark green leaves, that grow in five (and occasionally three) rows.

In its appearance it most resembles Astroloba rubriflora or Haworthiopsis viscosa (although the leaves of H. pungens are smooth and the plants are less upright in form).

The species name "pungens" means "sharp-pointed", and refers to the leaf-shape.

[2][3] This vulnerable species occurs in two localities within a small area in Langkloof, near Joubertina, in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Here it grows on rocky conglomerate west-facing slopes in fynbos vegetation.