Small to somewhat larger, rosulate herbs with 1-2 long roots. Leaves with the petiole confluent with the lamina; stipules concave, ovate, c. 3 mm. long entire below, laciniate above, rosy brown; lamina cuneate, up to 3 cm. long and 15 cm. broad at the truncate apex, green, 3-5 nerved; discal tentacles very dense along the margin; outer leaves smaller, older leaves glaberescent below, young buds hairy. Inflorescence central, straight, variable in length, usually about 15 cm. long, 6-20 flowered, pedicels up to 6 mm. long. Calyx-lobes ovate, 5 mm. long, obtuse. Petals broadly obovate- cuneate, up to 12 mm. long, pink to reddish purple ("bright red with a touch of magenta," Marloth), when faded, forming a falcate, rod-shaped body exserted from the open calyx. Stamens with short filaments, the locules separated by the swollen connective. Styles divided from the base, stigmas spoon shaped. Capsule with black, fusiform seeds