Corm large, globose; tunic papery, netted. Stem ± 1.5 m high, sturdy, branched. Leaves < stem, to 5 cm wide, mostly cauline, ± stiff, erect, midvein noticeable. Spike 15-25 cm long, distichous, dense, 20-30-flowered; spathe-valves brownish purple-green, enclosing ½ narrow section of perianth-tube. Flowers ± 7.5 cm long, ± 3 cm diam., entirely reddish-orange or occasionally yellow-orange; tube ± 4.5 cm long, narrow lower part ± 8 mm long, twisted, curved upper part 3-4 cm long, somewhat truncate at base; upper lobe 3 cm long, spathulate, other lobes 1.5-2 cm long, 2 longer obtuse, 3 smaller ± acute. Anthers pinkish-red or yellow, projecting beyond longest perianth-lobe. Seeds sharply angled, black, shining.