Perennial herb, 240-625 mm high. Stem single, scabrous. Leaves with blade linear, 10-56 x 0.7-4.0 mm; petioles up to 1 mm long. Flowers: inflorescences 1-3 per plant, at apex of stems with up to 8 flowers; corona lobes claw-like with a tailed and keeled apex, without an appendage, whitish, keel purple below, bright yellow above, central cavity without an appendage; corolla lobes reflexed and narrowly elliptic to ovate, dark reddish brown, dark brown, brown, dull reddish purple or purple with light yellow or purple to white margins; Nov.-Jan.