The genus Quaqua falls within the tribe of plants known collectively as stapeliads. All stapeliads, including Quaqua, are old world stem succulents.Species of the Quaqua genus are exceptionally varied and endemic to southwestern Africa, and locally very common in Namaqualand. They are usually characterised by having stout, firm, 4 or 5-sided stems bearing conical tubercles which often have a tough, tapering spike at their ends. A few species lack the spikes or have smoothly rounded tubercles.