The genus Aptenia belongs to the Mesembryanthemaceae family. The family name is derived from the Greek word, mesembria, meaning midday, and anthemom, meaning flower, referring to the flowers that open in the noon. The genus name, Aptenia, is derived from the Greek word, apten, meaning wingless, and refers to the wingless seed. The species name, cordifolia is derived from the in Latin words, cordi, meaning heart, and folium, meaning leaf. This genus is endemic to South Africa and consists of four species.

Aptenia cordifolia occurs naturally in the summer rainfall regions of South Africa at an altitude of 20–800 m. It grows along the coastal regions of the Eastern Cape and is also found in KwaZulu-Natal.

Baby Sun Rose is an evergreen and fast-growing succulent, perennial. The roots are fleshy and thick. The succulent stems are four-angled or rounded, 600 mm long, and grow flat on the ground. The green leaves are fleshy, heart to oval shaped, 50 x 25 mm long, and are widely spaced in pairs or singularly arranged. Water cells are scattered on the leaf and the stems surface and shine in the sunlight.

Flowers of Aptenia cordifolia are purple to red, shiny, small, 15 mm wide and borne singly or in clusters on short flower stalks. The flowers are self-fertilized and flowering occurs from spring to autumn. Flowers open during the bright hours of the day. The bright pinkish red flowers, attract butterflies, bees and other insects.

Baby Sun Rose is easily grown from seed and cuttings. Sow seed in summer. The plant can be divided and runners can be planted directly into the ground. Before planting, prepare the garden bed by digging over the soil; add compost and a slow-release fertilizer. The plant can become weedy. Trim or prune the plant to maintain its shape.

Aptenia cordifolia is a drought-resistant plant, tolerates high rainfall and irregular watering. Also it is a very useful plant for retarding the fire. There is also a variegated variety of this plant which is used in landscaped.

Use in Landscape: The glossy succulent leaves and bright magenta pink flowers are distinctive characteristics of Baby Sun Rose. a well-known groundcover. It is an ideal plant for coastal gardens as it tolerates sea spray and grows in sandy soil. It can be used in rockeries or outcrops. Aptenia cordifolia is an useful plant for, terraced slopes and along roadside embankments. It requires full sun or semi-shade; it can be planted underneath trees.