The bright green leaves contrast well against the large bright yellow flowers, inviting to would-be pollinators. Glottiphyllum cruciatum is not shy in projecting news of its existence at this time. Flowering extends beyond winter, as plants heed temperature and moisture indications better than the dictates of calendars. The locals of the Little Karoo respect rain much, rarely get enough of it.

These flowers were seen in the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden, about three hours’ drive west of the natural home of the species. Glottiphyllum tends to hybridise spontaneously wherever they flower concurrently close to each other.