It was first mentioned by Auguste Chevalier in 1920, based on material that he had collected in Guinea, West Africa.

[3] Anubias gigantea is known from West Africa, including the countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Togo.

The upper part is covered with male flowers, of which the 4-6 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.

[3] The plant is semi-aquatic and grows mostly on rocky places at the banks of rivers or in the riverbed.