Leaves 1 mm wide, cross-shaped in section. Stem to 15 cm tall, smooth, simple or 1 branched. Flowers 1-6, cup-shaped, deep blue-violet with a broad red centre ringed by white. Perianth tube 6-8 mm long; segments slightly unequal, 15-22 mm long, obovate. Stamens and style inclined to one side; spring. Syn. G. rochensis invalid name.

SW Cape Province.

G. splendidissima Diels from S Africa has leaves 3 mm wide, flattened, hairless. Stem to 30 cm tall, papillose, simple or 1-2 branched. Flowers 2-6, cup-shaped, deep blue-violet with darker centre and yellow throat; spring. Perianth tube 2-4 mm long; segments slightly unequal, 15-22 mm long, broad-ovate. Stamens and style inclined to one side.

Source: Cooke, D. (2005). Iridaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.