Perennial herb, geophyte, 0.3-0.9 m high, in large clumps; corm tunics of coarse fibres; stem erect, usually simple. Leaf 1, basal, broad and flat, becoming canaliculate above. Spathes herbaceous, apex becoming brownish dry. Inflorescence with yellow flowers; nectar guides dark yellow; tepals ± lanceolate, outer up to 88 mm long, inner up to 70 mm long, erect. Stamens: filaments up to 20 mm long, united in lower half; anthers ± 15 mm long. Ovary 20-30 mm long; style branches up to 20 mm long; crests ± 15 mm long. Flowering time Nov.-Feb. Capsule cylindric.
Robust, cormous geophyte, up to 1 m high, base encircled with pale, fibrous network of cataphylls. Leaf solitary; blade 15-30 mm wide, flat, margins thickened. Flowers: ±90 mm wide; perianth pale yellow with darker nectar guides on outer segments; Nov.-Jan.