Caulescent (with a stem) geophyte with a well developed stem up to 20cm, often branched, fleshy, almost hairless. Leaves several at branch tips or in whorls, leaflets in threes, each leaflet strongly divided to the base with a v-shape to it (bilobed), sometimes purplish below. Inflorescence stalk twice as long or longer than leaves, flowers 2-5 in an umbel, petals pale mauve or bright pink, tube greenish-purple.

Leaves often only develop fully after flowering.

Flowers sometimes with a rose-like scent.

Common name 'Knolsuuring' is derived from the large juicy contractile organ on the bulb, much favoured by children.