Shrub to 3 (–4) m high, branching from base. Leaves strongly aromatic and peppery; petiole ± rounded, 3–9 (–12) cm long; lamina cordate, (7–) 10–14 (–18) cm long, (8–) 12–16 (–20) cm wide, cordate at base passing through a distinct 'V'-shape onto petiole, rounded at apex with a short somewhat obscure point, glossy green above; principal veins 7–9 (–11). Spikes 1–3; male to 10 cm long; female 4–6 cm long. Ovary ovoid; stigmas 3 (rarely 4); subtending peltate scales c. 3 mm diam. Fruiting spike 0.7–1 cm diam., red. Fruit fleshy, not coalescing, rounded-conical at apex. Seeds globose, slightly 3-angled, 1.5 mm long, hard, pungent-peppery.
Locally common as an understorey plant in damp, shaded conditions, on basaltic soil, from the summits of the mountains and slopes down to c. 50 m in creeks.
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