This plant is a small succulent with deciduous leaves. It has a swollen underground caudex that supports one or several small rosettes of broad, entire leaves that resemble those of a primula. The small white flowers emerge prior to the foliage. This species is found naturally in the central plateau of northern and central Madagascar. When cultivating, the caudex is typically elevated above the ground to give the plant the appearance of a bonsai tree. In order for new leaves to appear, it requires extremely dry conditions during the winter.
