The thickly succulent Bijlia dilatata leaves are usually asymmetric with flat inside surfaces, deep off-centre keels and an angular paddle-shape, oblong or flattened upper part. Leaf surfaces are smooth, sometimes with small indentations. The leaf colour is pale green to grey-green.

Short-stalked, bright yellow flowers are borne in the leaf rosettes. They have soft, short petals around central cones of stamens with white filaments and yellow anthers. Flowers open by noon and close at night. Flowering happens early in autumn in a short blooming season.

Fruit capsules are relatively large, tending to persist on the plant. The capsule has five locules. Covering membranes are present (Smith, et al, 1998; www.llifle.com).