This is a large and distinctive orchid, 25-70 cm tall, with a dramatic, untidy-looking flower spike bearing up to 80 flowers. As the flower bud opens, the lip uncurls like a watch spring, and twists as it unrolls. The base of the lip is white, marked with crimson spots. The spur is short and conical. The lip bears a fanciful resemblance to the tail and hind legs of a lizard which has taken a header into the flower. The flowers smell very strongly of goats.