Othonna is a genus in the sunflower family (Asteraceae or Compositae), in the senecioid subdivision of the family. The name Asteraceae is probably derived from the Greek aster that means star. The genus name Othonna is probably from the Greek word othonne, for linen or cloth, referring to the soft leaves of some species. The leaves of this species are thick and fleshy, more or less dorsiventrally flattened with an ear-like shape, hence the species name auriculifolia, meaning leaves like an ear. The Afrikaans name for the genus is bobbejaankool, meaning baboon cabbage, and refers to the resemblance of the leaves to cabbage, and the name for this species, sandkool means sand cabbage, referring to its sandy habitat.

Othonna is a genus of approximately 90 species of succulent or sub-succulent plants. Their leaves are often succulent, elongated, with different shapes, sometimes very decorative. The genus is characterised by the presence of undivided (or minutely bifid) styles in the flower heads. The deciduous species have a woody stem that has the function of a water and nutrient storage organsupply. In general the peculiarities of the stem and the leaves are main reason why so many species of Othonna are so much in demand as ornamental plants. They are part of the family Asteraceae, and are therefore close relatives of sunflowers. They are most similar to Senecio, differing in only few details.