This species is an erect annual herb that stands 6–15 cm tall.

The inflorescence is a raceme, which produces pink flowers whose petals are vertically paired.

The hypanthium of this species is turbinate and is one of the distinguishing characteristics used to identify it.

The sepals form ribs around the hypanthium, giving it a turbine-like appearance.

[1] S. turbinatum grows in sandy soils at the margins of creeks and floodways and is closely associated with wet season herb fields.