ylecodon singularis is a very small geophyte. It is a bizarre freak of the plant world, and is only recognisable as belonging to Crassulaceae when in flower.
It is, as its nature implies, most unusual: stemless, with tuberous roots, producing one or two massive fleshy leaves, almost circular, up to 8 cm in diameter, and withering before the flowers appear.
The plant is leafless over summer, just the tuberous root waiting for autumn. The maroon inflorescence is 150-250 mm tall, terminating in a sparsely-branched panicle of greenish-yellow flowers.