Bulbous geophyte up to 14cm. Leaves dry at flowering, 12-30, linear, 1-3mm wide, erect to spreading, spiralled, usually channelled, basal sheath not prominent; flowers white with pink keels on reverse, cup-shaped, tepals 20-30mm long; fragrant; anthers 9-18 arranged in 6 clusters; fruit club-shaped, fleshy, yellow to red.

Fragrant fruits appear in early winter and were traditionally used to flavour brandy and to perfume linen cupboards.

The common name Kukumakranka is derived from the Khoisan name for the plants.