From the Northern Cape Province of South Africa and southern Namibia, this species consists of a single stem covered with very long stiff spines. The long leaves that occur on the top of the stem are covered with an interesting stellate pubescence. The flowers are urn shaped and colored purple and yellow. This is a winter-growing species that is active from midsummer through the winter, and our plants need a rest from about April through June. We grow this species outside in Tucson, where it can take 25F in the ground. These seedlings are in 4-inch pots.