Rhizome 1-2 cm thick. Stem up to 30 cm tall. Adventitious roots numerous, fibrous. Leaves 3, petiole 0.3-1.6 cm long; lamina oval to ovate or cordate, 3.5-10.8 x 1.8-10.2 cm, acute to acuminate, glabrous, venation reticulate. Flower 1, terminal, pedicellate; pedicel 0.9-2.3 cm long, stout. Perianth segments dark purple, narrowly lanceolate, outer segments 2-4 mm broad, inner narrower; perianth spreading in flower, reflexed in the fruiting stage. Stamens 6, in 2 whorls, shorter than the perianth; filaments c. 4 mm long; anthers basifixed, 4-5 mm long, curved, dehiscence longitudinal. Ovary superior, 3-locular; styles 3, purple, linear. Fruit a red, globose berry, 1-2 cm in diameter; seeds numerous, oblong, c. 2.5 mm long, with a pulpy lateral appendage.

Fl. Per.: April-August.

Type: Temperate Himalaya, Wallich 812 (? K).

Distribution: Temperate Himalayas in India and Pakistan in humid forest from 2400-3200 m elevation.

A fairly common plant in the hills during spring and summer months.