Dilatris is an evergreen genus in the Haemodoraceae family growing from a short red rhizome. The four species are endemic to the Cape Floral region of South Africa with most species found in the south western portion on rocky sandstone slopes. The majority of the species have mauve flowers that are distinguished by details of the stamens. They grow best with year round water and acidic sandy soil.

Dilatris ixioides is a winter growing bulbous species indigenous to South Africa. It grows 20 to 40cm in height and during spring it bears beautiful mauve flowers.