Stems to 3 m high, rarely more, 5-8 cm diam., sometimes forming clumps. Leaves crowded forming a crown, to 1 m long, 15-20 mm wide above broad base, tapering, curved; margins very shortly and irregularly scabrid; leaf-bases persistent after fire. Scapes several, axillary among upper leaves, with scattered linear-subulate bracts on broad bases becoming shorter towards inflorescence, appressed-pubescent with reflexed hairs. Inflorescence 2-2.5 cm diam.; floral bracts obtuse, some shortly exserted and pungent. Perianth 8-10 mm long; sepals densely tomentose in lower two-thirds, glabrous above. Stamens 11-12 mm long; anthers 1.5-1.8 mm long. Style and ovary c. 10 mm long.
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