Glottiphyllum cruciatum is a sprawling leaf succulent no taller than 15 cm, although its stems spread, becoming 50 cm long. The generic name means leaf resembling a uvula. The specific epithet means in the form of a cross.

The succulent leaf pairs are finger-like, erect and triangular in cross-section. The leaf surfaces are shiny, hairless and bright green.

The petals recurve slightly a little before the rounded tips. Blooming occurs in winter.

The species distribution is restricted to a few sites in the Little Karoo between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp.

The habitat is shrubveld in gravelly and sandy loam soils (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Van Jaarsveld, et al, 2006; Smith, et al, 1998; iNaturalist; Wikimedia; http://redlist.sanbi.org).