Sparaxis auriculata Goldblatt & J.C.Manning

Plants 150-400 mm high, stem usually 1-or 2-branched from axils of cauline leaves, inclined above. Corm globose-conical, 12-14 mm diam., tunics of medium-textured fibres mostly oriented vertically. Leaves 5 to 8, mainly basal, uppermost inserted in middle of stem, reaching to between middle of stem and base of spike, narrowly lanceolate, acute, mostly 10-15 mm wide, with prominent submarginal vein, margin thus appearing somewhat thickened, sheathing parts of leaves speckled with purple (often fading when dry). Spike mostly 5-to 7-flowered, weakly flexuose, ± secund; bracts pale below with whitish veins, becoming streaked with light brown above, 15-20 mm long, lightly lacerate with prominent central cusp, inner bracts slightly shorter, with 2 terminal cusps. Flowers zygomorphic, bilabiate, pale yellow, dorsal tepal usually pale mauve, lower tepals deep yellow fading to white at tips, abaxial half of throat obscurely lined with grey-purple, unscented; perianth tube obliquely funnel-shaped, distal part curving outward, ± 18 mm long, lower tepals united for 6-7 mm, basal cylindric portion narrow and clasping style; tepals unequal, dorsal largest, broadly ovate, erect, ± 25 x 18-20 mm, upper lateral tepals oblong-ovate, ± 20 x 10-12 mm, spreading distally, lower 3 tepals abruptly deflexed and pinched together at bases, directed downward, ± 18 x 8 mm, strongly channelled, lower laterals with prominent auricular lobes at base. Stamens unilateral and arcuate; filaments ± white, ± 18 mm long; anthers 7-8 mm long, creamy white, exserted; pollen creamy white. Ovary 3.5 mm long, oblong-trigonous; style arching over stamens, white, ± 4 mm long, dividing just below anther tips, branches filiform, diverging and recurved in distal half, slightly wider toward apex. Capsules ± barrel-shaped, trilobed, ± 6(-7) x ± 6 mm, showing outline of seeds. Seeds 3 or 4 per locule, ± 2.2 mm diam., glossy light brown.