Herbaceous monocarpic perennial. Simple stem, thick and woody at the base,  reaching 3 m in height, bearing leaves on the upper zone. Large triangular leaves, up to 60 x 44 cm, 2-3-pinnatisect. Lanceolate to aImost oblong leaflets, 4.6-10 x 3-6 cm, with serrate margins and some white hairs. Pubescent rachis and midribs. Sheathing, pubescent petioles. Small flowers, with whitish to purplish petals, 1.2-1.7(-2) cm, bome in numerous umbels, which forrn an enorrnous cupuliform to hemispherical terminal inflorescence, up to50-90 cm in diameter. Oblong, pubescent fruits, 1.2-1.4 cm, with dentate wings.
Rare species which inhabits rocky slopes in the interior of Madeira, from the Laurisilva up to the highest altitudes. It is cultivated at medium altitudes.