Phylogenetic studies demonstrated that subgenus Hexangulares was actually relatively unrelated to other haworthias and so it was moved to the new genus Haworthiopsis.

In spring (November to December) it bears 15 cm (6 in) long stems of green-white, tubular flowers in racemes.

[5] This species occurs over a large area, from the inland Karoo and Namibia to as far south as the northern part of the Breede River valley.

In cultivation it requires a minimum temperature of 10 °C (50 °F), so is grown under glass in temperate locations.

tesselata has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.