This plant is located in the Mountain range of Peru reaching a size of between 2 to 5 meters in height. It is an indehiscent oblong sheath that measures approximately 10 cm long by 3 cm wide. When ripe, it takes on a reddish colour and contains pods with 4 to 7 ovoid and flat seeds of dark colour. It has a high content of protein and dietary fiber that is used as a protein or dietary food.