Cormous geophyte up to 50cm, sometimes branched. Leaf solitary, basal, linear, channelled, usually exceeding the stem and trailing; spathes herbaceous, becoming dry above, pointed, dark brown. Small flowers white, cream or brownish, rarely violet; nectar guides with brown spots; inner tepals tricuspidate with inrolled or straight central cusp; anther and style branches diverge strongly.

Latin: unguis = nail of human finger; culus = diminutive; referring to the pronounced slender claw (lower part) of the tepals.