Botany
Aroid climber that may grow many meters high. Leaves are long-stalked. Leaf blades are green and glossy with light veins, about 30 cm long 25 cm wide, tapering towards the narrow tip. Young leaves have wavy margins; the incisions becoming deeper as they mature, reaching half way to the midrib. Flowers are ivory and cylindrical, about 10 cm long, enclosed by tubular bracts (spathe) 10 to 15 cm long, 5 to 7 cm wide. The berry fruits are about 3 mm long.

Distribution
Introduced and wildly cultivated. Propagated by stem cuttings or planting of the lateral buds. Grows both as soil or water plant.

Parts utilized
Leaves

Uses
Folkloric
Muscular strains, back pains: Leaves are boiled in vinegar and applied to involved areas overnight and repeated for two to three days.
Flatulence, abdominal pains: Oiled leaves are applied to abdominal epigastric area.

Availability
Wild-crafted or cultivated.