Corolla (the collective term for petals) is also 5- to 9-parted, rotate,[5][7] with a very short tube[7] and elliptic-lanceolate segments.

[5] Occurs on moist, shaded[3][7] slopes in deep,[3] light[7] soil rich in organic matter,[3][7] particularly leaf mould.

[7] The former genus name Trientalis is derived from the Latin triens ('a third'), and is an allusion to the height of the plant, which is one third of a foot, or 4 in (10 cm) high.

[5][10] Latifolia is derived from the Latin words latus ('broad or wide') and folia ('leaves') and means approximately 'broad-leaved'.

[10] The alternative name "Indian potato" refers to a small subterranean swelling at the stem's base, which is not listed as being edible by modern sources.