Xerophyta is a genus of around 50 species, of which nine occur in South Africa. The genus name is derived from the Greek xeros, meaning dry, and phytos, meaning plant, referring to the ability of the genus to withstand desiccation.

Xerophyta retinervis is a South African indigenous species from the Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Provinces. It is usually found in Grassland and Savanna growing on rocky slopes and ridges across northern South Africa, extending to Botswana and Swaziland. Vernacular names include Black-stick lily. It grows to 180cm tall with robust rough black stems and grass-like leaves. During spring it bears many deep to pale mauve/white scented flowers.