The brakvygie or Aptenia cordifolia has heart-shaped leaves that brought it the specific name of cordifolia. The bright green leaf surfaces of this plant are characterised by numerous tiny water cells that glisten in sunlight. The leaves are opposite and fleshy. They are said to alternate further down from the flower cluster.

The flowers are small with short, brightly magenta coloured petals and whitish centres. The plants receive summer rain in habitat. They flower in spring (Smith, et al, 1998; www.plantzafrica.com).