[2] It is a rare species of succulent plant, native to a few high, inaccessible mountain peaks in the Fynbos habitat of Western Cape, South Africa.

Its compact ranks of leaves are oblong and grey-green in colour, with bright red margins.

[5][6] It produces bright scarlet flowers at the end of winter (june up until August in its natural habitat).

It grows in sheltered cracks in sandstone ridges, forming dense clumps.

[5][6] Tucked inside crevices in its natural habitat it is very hardy - surviving both frost and fire.