Heliophila is a genus of flowering plants in the Brassicaceae family. Members of this genus are either annuals or perennials and some are popular as ornamental plants. Endemic to southern Africa, the majority of the approximately 80 species grow in South Africa, particularly the Cape Floristic Region, while a few extend into the Namib Desert. Heliophila is one of only two genera of Brassicaceae endemic to southern Africa. The majority of the species grow in the winter-rainfall Cape Floristic Region and the more arid Namaqualand, while a smaller portion extend to the rest of South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, and Lesotho.

Heliophila cornuta is a South African indigenous species found in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. It is a perennial growing to 1.5 metres high and usually found in dry areas. It has narrow fleshy leaves and during spring it bears white/mauve/blue flowers.