A many-branched, old Crassothonna cylindrica bush has long, bare, lower stems tipped with small leaf clusters. The plants reach 50 cm to 1 m in different parts of its distribution range that is variably arid.

In Namaqualand this plant bears the common Afrikaans name of ossierapuis (little ox resin). The etymology of this name is unknown; it may conjure absurd ideas. Namaqualand is famous for its colourful Afrikaans.

Do baboons favour the vegetable-like leaves of the bobbejaankool (baboon cabbage), yet another Afrikaans name for the plant? Famine times force the eating of the less appetising dietary options that last longest, although there must be limits for all? For most?

Stock usually browse only the flowers of the ossierapuis. Crassothonna species are in general not considered palatable (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist).