A small perennial herb with erect green-yellow leaves, occurring with a height between 0.2 to 1.8 metres in height.
Black hairs occur along the flowers and stems.
The 'black' species is contained by a monotypic genus, eleven other similar plants of this name are contained by the genus Anigozanthos.
Like the other Kangaroo Paws, Macropidia will achieve maximum growth and flower production when well watered. A drip irrigation system is recommended because the plant will suffer if it is allowed to dry out and conversely, does not like waterlogging.