Cormous geophyte up to 25cm. Leaves linear, often hairy, about 2mm wide, sticky, margins and midrib heavily thickened, forming two narrow grooves on each surface. Flowers in 2-5 flowered spike, cream or white, often flushed red on the outside; perianth tube about 4mm long, tepals spreading; bracts sticky, green, often with reddish margins.

Latin: hispidus = hairy, bristly; -ulus = diminutive; referring to the hairiness of the leaves.