Huge in every way including the reddish black spike which is surrounded by a similar colored leaflike sheath, making the spike look like it has its own vase (up to 2′ in diameter); the leopard spotted decorative stem supports large fingered leaves that spread out like a fan; great for the tropical garden; early summer flowering, followed by scarlet berries; very striking but shouldn’t be planted near a doorway as its few days of unpleasant fragrance may keep your friends away!