Leaves are tough and leathery and elliptical or ovate in outline. Leaves occur on petioles that have an inflated appearance, especially towards the base. Floating roots are fibrous and have a purplish tint. Vegetative reproduction occurs through runners or stolons. Individual flowers occur in groups of 5 to 20 on spikes.
Flowers are light purple to blue in color and the upper petal always has a distinctive yellow spot.
A capsule that contains many seeds.