Carnivorous rosette-shaped plant which grows in the sun. Aged specimens form column-like, condensed heads up to 2cm long, densely covered with dead leaves.

Leaves are decumbent, very broadly spathulate to cuneate with a 5-10mm long petiole; upper surface and margins (not the petiole) are covered with numerous bright-red tentacles; lower surface of leaf (not the petiole) is covered with appressed (pressed closely together but not fused) white-translucent hairs 0.5-1mm long.

Petiole is 5-10mm long and 1mm wide at base, is narrowly cuneate and has no carnivorous glandular tentacles; upper surface of petiole is glabrous (sometimes covered with white hairs), margins and lower surface of petiole are densely covered with white appressed hairs.

Stipule is narrowly triangular, base is entire then divided into 3 unequal lengths (segments).

Inflorescence is a cyme with up to 9 flowers, each flower up to 2cm across, petals 8-9mm long and cerise-pink in colour, opening consecutively and each lasting only one day; 6 style arms are undivided or rarely shortly divided into two; peduncle is curved from the base, 12-20cm long including the floral parts.

Greek: xerophilus = dry loving; referring to this species preference for well-drained, drier, only slightly moist ground.