This perennial aquatic herb is characterized by its rhizomatous growth habit. Its leaves are long-petiolate and float on the surface of the water. The leaf blades vary from elliptic-orbicular to round and are peltate, with irregularly repand-dentate margins. The flowers are emergent, showy, and polypetalous, with long peduncles. They are scented and open during the day, closing at night. The calyx is typically green, sometimes dull red and marked with darker dots, while the petals can be light blue, dull yellowish-white, rose, or purplish.