Large tuberous-rooted twining vine, very spiny at base, pubescent stems, upper stems with few spines, simple leaves to 130mm x 90mm glabrous above, pendant inflorescence pale green to yellow-green, axillary male inflorescence to 200mm long, flowers to 4.2mm diameter, female axillary villous spicate inflorescence pale brown to brownish-green,glabrous capsule 58mm x 23mm with wings at 90ยบ, tubercules probably contain saponin