Cormous geophyte up to 50cm with a branched stem. One narrow, channelled, trailing leaf (occasionally two) inserted well above ground immediately below first branch, longer than the stem. Flowers white or yellow with darker nectar-guides and a strong sweet scent; spathes partly dry tapering to a slender point; tepals unequal, the outer larger 20-30mm long.

Flowers open near midday and fade towards sunset.

Latin: fugax = fugacious, fleeting, transitory; referring to the short-lived flowers, each lasting about half or less than half the day.