Cormous geophyte up to 40cm. Stem always unbranched with 2 sheathing bract leaves, nodes not sticky. Leaf single, inserted shortly above ground, terete, exceeding the inflorescence. Flowers pale yellow, with darker yellow nectar guides on outer tepals, enclosed in leathery, truncate spathes; tepals unequal, the outer larger 30-45mm long, limbs weakly reflexed, inner tepals initially erect  but becoming horizontal or completely reflexed when fully open.

Flowers opening after midday and fading shortly after sunset.

Latin: anomala = anomalous or usual, presumably referring to the anomaly of being known for many years without being recognised as distinct from the similar Moraea angusta.