It is native to the coastal belt of the Western Cape, South Africa, growing actively during the winter rainfall season.

They have five pointed or blunt lobes surrounding a central, pentagonal annulus (corona).

[4] The flowers may have a faint carrion smell to attract potential insect pollinators.

When grown as an ornamental plant in temperate zones it requires protection, as it does not tolerate freezing temperatures.

In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.