Shrub or small tree, 2-3 m tall; stems with hirsute trichomes of varying lengths; stems and lower leaf surface with stiff, erect trichomes of different lengths as well as longer flexuous trichomes. Petioles usually 5-10 mm long, vaginate-winged; blades elliptic-obovate, abruptly acuminate, cordate at base, inequilateral (the longer side 2-4 mm shorter at petiole and covering petiole), 16-27 cm long, 8-14 cm wide, scabrous above, the major lateral veins usually in 6 or 7 pairs, mostly in basal half. Spikes 10-13 cm long, ca 5 mm wide; peduncles about 2 cm long; bracts with short, stiff cilia. Fruits oblong; stigmas 3, recurved.