Cormous geophyte 12-25cm high, corm is deep-seated. Leaves linear-lanceolate to oblong; flowers in a branched raceme on sub-erect pedicels, yellow, rarely pink, violet scented with five upper stamens and one large lower.

Cyanella flowers are buzz pollinated.

Latin: lutea = yellow; referring to the yellow flowers of this species.

Common name Raaptol refers to the turnip (Afrik raap)-like shape or taste of the corm.