Cyrtostylis orchids often form dense colonies of genetically identical plants.

The lateral sepals and petals are similar in size and colour but the labellum is shelf-like and conspicuous with two prominent glands at its base.

Orchids in the genus Cyrtostylis are terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, sympodial herbs, usually with a few inconspicuous, fine roots and one or two tubers.

The labellum is stalkless, oblong and about as long as the sepals and petals with two bead-like glands and two ridges along its length.

[6][7] The name Cyrtostylis is derived from the Greek words cyrtos meaning 'curved' and stylos, 'pertaining to the style', referring to the curved column found in all members of this genus.