Stemless, perennial herb about 20- 40cm tall. Tuber depressed globose, 2-4 cm in diameter, bearing 2-3 small tubers; fibrous roots spreading from the top of tuber. Leaves pedate, segments 5, 10-20 cm long, middle one obovate, lateral ones oblong-lanceolate, petioles 15-30 cm long. Peduncle stout, shorter than petioles; spathe 10 cm long, tube pale green, margined with purple, blade erect, 5-6 cm long, greenish and sometimes purple-striped, or violet. Spadix with terminal appendage cylindrical, 4 cm long.

Acrid, anodyne, antibacterial, antifungal, antiphlogistic, antirheumatic, anticancer, antispasmodic, antitumor, expectorant, sedative and stomachic (root).

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The root is used dried and in conjunction with fresh ginger, internally in the treatment of coughs with profuse phlegm, tumours, cervical cancer, epilepsy, tetanus and complaints involving muscular spasms. The fresh root is applied externally as a poultice to ulcers and other skin complaints. Traditionally, it is used against headache, coughs, sputum remedy, inflammation of the lymphatic gland in the groin, dry pleurisy and convulsions.

Contraindicated during pregnancy.