Usually monoecious but sometimes paradioecious. Leaves (1-)2, pedate; leaflets 11-13, linear to lanceolate, 9-19 x 0.6-1.7 (-2.5) cm. Spathe longer than the foliage, green, ribbed; tube 5.4-5 cm long, cylindrical, gradually broadening into an ovate, caudate-acuminate limb, larger than the tube. Spadix appendage 8-19 cm long , stout, at first curved and then prolonged upright beyond the limb, black when dry. In monoecious forms the male zone longer than the female. Stamens stalked; anther dehiscence porose. Ovary ovoid, c. 1.5 mm long; style short, stigma discoid, papillate. Berry 6-7 mm broad. Seeds 4-5, ± angular-ovoid, testa rugose, coriaceous, yellowish-brown.

Fl. Per.: June July.

Type: Nepal, Wallich 8926 (K).

Distribution: Temperate and subtropical Himalaya, Baluchistan, W. China and N. Burma.

Not common. The shape of the leaflets varies from linear-lanceolate to lanceolate. The colour of the anthers is bright yellow to white (fide Collett, l.c. 540). The type variety tortuosum (Arum tortuosum Wall. Pl. Asia, Rar. 2: 10, t. 114. 1830) differs in the broad elliptic-ovate to oblong-lanceolate leaves (4.6-10 x 2-4 cm) and the purple anthers (fide Collett, l.c.). Collett mentions that it is also earlier flowering. Its distribution is from Simla east to Burma.

A root extract is used as a vermifuge for cattle.