Dilatris pillansii is one of four species in a genus found in fynbos. It is a rhizomatous perennial, the rootstock bright red. The rigid, narrow leaves are strap-like, growing in a fan-shape, edgewise with respect to the stem. The leaves are about 4 mm wide and equitant, i.e. the leaf base is folded and enclosing the next leaf above it.

In this photo pale blue and white flowers can be seen on the left, while the flat-topped panicle on the right has already withered to a red-brown colour (Bean and Johns, 2005; Mustart, et al, 1997).