It is named after Dr. Peter Bruyns - a succulent botanist. H. bruynsii is a succulent plant, that grows in the shape of a solitary rosette. It has 5-10 fleshy leaves (when the plant is mature), triangulated and translucent with lighter veins. The foliage, of an opaque color, that ranges from dark green to brownish, is partially rough to the touch, due to the slightly raised tubercles; in its leaves it stores water to survive during drought periods.