Robust, stout herb or undershrub; trunk 1-2 m high; leaves 60-75 cm long, ensiform, linear-lanceolate, sharply pointed at apex, margins entire, smooth; inflorescence scapigerous, flowers creamy white, numerous in large, terminal panicles with ascending branches; pedicels 1.2-4 cm long; perianth white or cream-coloured persistent, lobes-6, free or slightly connate at the base; stamens 6, inserted on the torus, shorter than the perianth lobes; ovary sessile or shortly stipitate, 3-celled, ovules many, style short with a well developed central canal, stigma capitate; fruit capsules 6-ridged, indehiscent, ellipsoid, hard, dry.