Vexatorella alpina can only be found in the Kamiesberge, the highest hills of Namaqualand, Northern Cape province, where it mostly grows in a vegetation type called Kamiesberg Granite Fynbos, at an altitude of 1300-1600 m (4250-5250 ft). It grows on soils derived from the Archaean granite bedrock in this area, and it apparently prefers the upper reaches of the slopes either facing north or south. The average annual precipitation is 200-500 mm (7½-20 in), more than 75% of which falls during the winter half year. Other plants that grow in the same vegetation are species of Metalasia, Cliffortia and Passerina.