Erect, sparsely branched tree, up to 10 m, glabrous when mature, except for the inflorescence. Leaves crowded at the ends of the branches; petiole to 1 m, channelled above, clasping base heavily lenticellate, prolonged as a broad stipular ligule c. 2 cm long, usually with strong bristles on the back, and with strong long-pectinate crests encircling the base of the petiole; blade coriaceous, fan-shaped, c. 40 cm long, base broadly cuneate to truncate, palmately 7-11-lobed, lobes extending to within c. 12 cm from the base, lanceolate, coarsely serrate, sometimes irregularly lobulate, slightly narrowed towards the base, apex acute, sinuses rounded. Inflorescence a terminal compound umbel, c. 18 cm ø; peduncle very short, bearing heavily setose bracts; primary rays 15-20, c. 3-4 cm long, 3-4 mm broad, setulose, at the apex bearing opposite, ovate-lanceolate bracts 10-15 mm long, each ending in three branches; central branch c. 15-20 mm long, terminating in a globular head (c. 12 mm ø) of c. 20-30, sessile, sterile, bacciform flowers (3-4 mm ø) 3-celled, subtended by small ovate-lanceolate bracts; lateral branches c. 5.5 cm long (7.5 cm in fruit), with opposite bracts (c. 3-4 mm long) near the middle, terminating in a globose head of c. 40-50 sessile flowers, bracts between the flowers very small, setulose. Calyx rim obsolete. Corolla 4-lobed, tubular below, 2 mm long in bud. Stamens 4. Ovary 4-celled. Fruit globose c. 6-8 mm long, 4-ribbed (dry).
Home