From the Klein Karoo in the vicinity of Oudtshoorn, Western Cape Province, South Africa, this species has green finger-like leaves that are thick, succulent, and pointed when young. We tend to think the name reflects the cross-like shape of the young plants from a vertical perspective. The flowers are large, yellow, and showy. This species is distinguished by an acorn-shaped seed capsule. These plants are seedlings in 3-inch pots.