Filiform leaves slightly more flattened than in some of this group, a terete scape up to 20 cm in length, no conspicuous pubescence, segments that are NOT regularly arranged i.e. they spread sideways and upwards sometimes with a single segment remaining below the filaments. The stamen appendages are unlike any other in this group forming a much more regular cup with a lacerated rim. The segments are given as 1-5 cm by 4 mm broad (F.P.S.A. Plate 132) but in the F.P.S.A. Plate 691, where the description of N. frithii is given the existence of N. transvaalensis is justified as being separable from N. frithii 'by reason of its narrower perianth segments and more slender filaments'. The N. frithii description then goes on to give that species' segments that are '1-6 cm long to 4 mm broad near the middle'. The illustration of N. transvaalensis certainly gives the impression of a species very unlike tv. frithii or N. hesseoides. There is far less crisping of the segments and the segments form a very definite tube before commencing their outwards and upwards spread. Insufficiently known.
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