Wurmbea spicata var. spicata grows three stem-leaves, sheathing the stem and alternating up it. The zigzagging stem seen here is dark red-brown to yellow-brown where not covered by the spaced leaves.

The deep green, lance-shaped leaves are long, narrow and channelled, curving down to their acutely pointed tips.

These plants may be more compact, their leaves shorter, broader and closer together. The stem may be greener and the leaves spiralling rather than opposite (Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist; www.fernkloof.org.za).