The linear, channelled leaves of Conicosia pugioniformis subsp. pugioniformis are mostly erect on the trailing stems. Dull green and thickly succulent, these leaves are long for a mesemb plant, reminding of Senecio or Curio leaves.

Apart from the open pale yellow flowers there are also bud and fruit shapes present on this stem photographed in early spring, indicating the extended season of production. The soil in which all this growth is happening is very sandy (Smith, et al, 1998; Manning and Goldblatt, 1996).