[3] Many species are endemic to Cape Province in western South Africa, confined to the winter rainfall area.

Each flower occurs in the axil of a bract and has 1 nerved perianth segments that are almost free.

The plants may grow up to 1 metre in height and have narrow or thread like but never succulent leaves.

The leaves decay into prominent fibres at the base of the stem, often netted or reticulate in appearance, although this feature is absent from the New Zealand species.

They tend to overwinter and aestivate with wiry or swollen tubers.