Rhizomatous geophyte up to 1.8m. Cylindrical leaves and stems are usually of equal length. Flowers bright yellow, enclosed by green to purple spathes, arranged in a small head of 2-20 flowers.

Flowers more profusely after fire.

The firm leaves and flower stems can be used to make an efficient broom (Afrik: besem = broom), hence common name Besembiesie.

After: Jacob Bobart (1599-1680), German botanist and Head Gardener of the Oxford Botanic Garden.