Geophyte with a large, irregularly shaped tuber. Hairy, lobed leaves can become very large, up to 30cm in diameter, they are prominently veined and glandular, most have a cordate base and an unequally toothed, ciliate margin; the long flower stalk bears umbels of up to 20 flowers, dark purple to almost black with a dull yellow margin and base; 6 of the 10 filaments bear anthers.

Flowers are cinnamon scented at night, hence the common name Kaneelblom.

It was cultivated in England as early as 1739.