Leaves 10-45 (-60) cm in diameter, reniform to orbicular, glaucous with waxy coating on the upper surface, entire, petiole 50-150 cm long, usually with scattered ± hooked spines; stipules sheathing. Flowers (10-) 15-20 cm across, pinkish red or white, peduncle almost equalling the petiole, usually beset with hooked spines. Outer tepals (perianth lobes 4), persistent, 15-30 x 20-25 mm, ovate, entire, acute; inner tepals (series of 10-16 lobes), 70-100 x 35-45 mm, elliptic, distinctly parallel veined. Stamens c. 25 mm long, anthers 12-15 mm long with a conspicuous fleshy c. 5 mm long appendage. Flowering receptacle 20-25 x 18-22 mm, broad at the top. Carpels c. 10 mm long, fruiting receptacle 40-50 x 45-60 mm. Nuts 10-13 x 6-7 mm, oblong, dark brown to blackish.