Clivia nobilis is only found in the Eastern Cape province. The coastal areas have a mild climate (9-25 ° C) and there is 600 to 900 mm of rainfall per year. C. nobilis can be found in evergreen forest, low bushes and dune vegetation. They are also at home in wooded ravines, on river banks, on rocks and on forest edges. However, the largest population is found in the coastal region in the sand of the dunes where they are sometimes exposed to the blazing sun.
In the dunes, the plants have long leaves and an extensive root system, while at higher altitudes, short leaves and a smaller root system can be observed under the trees. The bow-shaped leaves are stiff and slightly rough, with a rough edge. They are 30-80 cm long and 25-50 mm wide. The central stripe on the leaves is very faint.
The inflorescence consists of an umbel of 20-60 flowers. The colour is pinkish yellow to dark red with green tips. They are drooping, tubular, approx. 11 mm wide and 25 to 40 mm long. The stamens are slightly longer than the stamens and thus form an excellent self-pollination system. The berries are round to drop-shaped and usually contain up to 6 seeds. The berries ripen after about 9 months. The seeds themselves are much smaller than those of other populations.
