Slender or robust geophyte up to 20cm. Leaves 3-7, cauline (on the stem), linear. Flowers in a dense raceme, dull purplish-pink, tepals linear-lanceolate, 12-15mm long, lip with minute side lobes.

Greek: pachys = thick, stout; -ities = indicates a quality; referring to the robust column of this species.

After: Professor Alfred A. Bodkin (1847-1930), British born plant collector in South Africa who worked with Harry Bolus and accompanied him on collecting trips. He was Professor of Mathematics at Bishop's, Cape Town from 1881 to 1902.