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 pillansii is by far the most attractive of the Dilatris genus.