Robust perennial with distichous leaves. Roots numerous, robust, c. 3 mm diam., from a vertical rhizome, c. 15 mm diam., more than 6 cm long. The base of the plant surrounded by several narrow, purple leaf-sheaths 5-8 cm long. Leaves up to 150 cm long; petiole 30-70 cm long; lamina lanceolate, 30-80 by 7-10 cm. Inflorescence apical on a slender, branched, pale, burrowing stem with prominent bract scars. Floral bract appearing above the soil, purple, c. 7 cm long, sheathing the c. 10 cm long, white ovary extension, this curved just below the insertion of the perianth. Sepals whitish, equal, lanceolate, cuspidate, c. 9 by 2 cm. Lateral petals dark purple, c. 3 by 1 cm, apical part with crenulate-undulate margin, apex cuspidate. Labellum dark purple, broadly lanceolate, c. 7 cm long, c. 2 cm broad in lower half, main vein thickened, raised on upper side, the apical part crenulate-undulate, incurved, forming a claw-like structure. Stamens c. 2 cm long. Style robust, c. 2 cm; stigma 3-fid, branches 8-10 mm, undivided, coarse. Capsule 25-30 cm, with a 2 cm long beak. Seeds not seen.
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