It is a herbaceous plant. Corm is up to 1.5-2 x 1.2-1.5 cm, and ovoid; tunics are dark brown. Stem is subterranean, covered by the tunics. Leaves are 5-12, overtopping the inflorescence, linear-lanceolatewith acute apex to acuminate. The base is 1.5 cm broad in outer leaves. Tepals are1.5-1.8 x 0.3-0.4 cm, white to pale lilac with purplish veins and dots. Lobes are longer than the claw, oblong-lanceolate, and subacute to obtuse. Stamens are 8-9 mm. Anthers are1 x 0.5 mm. Capsule is 1.5 x 1.25 cm, and broadly ovoid to subglobose. Seeds are 2 x 1.6 mm, subglobose, and punctulate.
Isthmic Desert at Maghara.
Libya (Cyrenaica), Egypt, Palestine.
Fissures of calcareous rocks,coarse sandy and gravelly soils.
Perennial.
Height: 5-15 cm.
