It was first described scientifically by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1857, based on material collected in Sierra Leone by Adam Afzelius, after whom the species was named.

[2] West Africa: Senegal, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Mali.

The upper part is covered with male flowers, of which the 5-6 stamens are fused into synandria, with the thecae on its sides.

The lower part of the spadix is covered with female flowers that are reduced to the ovary and stigma.

[2] The plant grows in wet, shady places and flowers from the end of March to July, fruiting from April to September.