Succulent, clump-forming plant multiplying by densely arranged offsets. Leaves erect, with elongated white flecks, especially on lower surface; upper surface slightly concave; spines cream, longest (at base of inflorescence) to 30cm and c.5cm wide at base, the whole leaf narrow triangular. Rarely flowers in New Zealand. Infloresence 80-90cm high. Flowers becoming pendent at anthesis, initially buds suberect. Perianth 3-3.5cm long; outer whorl of segments pale orange, the whole perianth cylindrical, gently curving. Inner perianth segments pale yellowish; tips of all segments ± recurved, darker further down. Male and female yellow.