They are found in a range of habitats from tropical areas to the arid inland. They are usually herbaceous perennials with flowers in dense, brightly-coloured conical heads. P.exaltatus is one of the best known as it occurs widely in drier areas.
Flowers occur in conical shaped spikes on tall stems.
The flowers are pink to purple in colour and the spikes can be up to 150 mm long by 50 mm diameter. Flowering occurs from winter through to summer. This species has been in cultivation for many years but, along with other members of the genus, it has not proven to be particularly reliable. Soil drainage needs to be excellent. There is considerable research being undertaken into the cultivation requirements of this genus because of their potential as cut flowers.