Perennial herb with thickened roots from a short rhizome. Inflorescence to 50 cm, floral bracts green. Leaves broadly ovate, to 50 cm long, 30 cm wide, leaf stalks very long, channelled, not winged, unspotted, waxy blue, leaf apex acuminate, base rounded, leathery, puckered or undulate, 12-14 vein pairs, waxy and mid-green above, paler below. Flowers white to pale grey-purple, anthers pale yellow; early summer.

Japan.

var. elegans Hyl. Leaves generally rounder, more heavily waxy blue and more strongly puckered than the type form.

Source: Conran, J. (2005). Hostaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.