Erect, parasitic shrub; stems prominently 2 (4)-angled, especially when young. Leaves sessile, thick, ovate, obtusely acute to rounded at apex, rounded to cordate at base, 7-12 cm long, 4-8 cm wide, the lateral veins from near the base 7-9, obscure, visible when dried. Spikes axillary, solitary, l-8 cm long; peduncles 5-15 mm long; bracteoles with margins free; flowers and buds red, sunken obliquely into rachis in 4 distinct rows; tepals 6, ca 2 mm long. Fruits ellipsoid to obovoid, 5 mm long, 2.5 mm wide, perpendicular to axis, 1-seeded, purplish-black when mature (Kuijt, 1976). Shattuck 425.