This flowering perennial plant is endemic to Southwest Australia and widespread in its open forests.

The species was first described by John Lindley in the 1840 work A sketch of the vegetation of the Swan River Colony.

[6] The species has a basal rosette of long strap-like leaves, emerging at the soil's surface from a rhizome beneath.

humilis is common, and unthreatened, the rarer subspecies described by Stephen Hopper are listed with a conservation status.

[8] The plant is widely cultivated, and is able to tolerate hot and humid climates, but requires winter protection in temperate regions.