Brachystelma filifolium is a dwarf geophyte herb with a thin aerial shoot up to 75 cm high, from a small flattish tuber (caudex) the top of which may sometimes be seen above ground.
As the species name it implies, the leaves are very thin grass-like and, if growing amongst grassy vegetation, they must be very hard to spot. It has inconspicuous but intensely fragrant flowers.
Probably the most delicate of all species of Brachystelma.