 It is endemic to the Balkans, extending as far as Greece, Crete, and the Aegean Islands, and also to the south-western parts of Anatolia.The species is characterized by a large purple spathe and spadix, which has a very unpleasant smell reminiscent of rotting meat to attract flies ("Lucilia" and others) as pollinators.The large palmate leaves have occasional cream flecks along the veins.