Branches and leaves densely pubescent; spines recurved. Leaves petiolate; leaf blade elliptic or ovate, base rotund. Bracts dark red or light purple-red, elliptic-ovate, 2.5-6.5 × 1.5-4 cm, base rotund to cordate. Perianth tube green, narrowly tubular, rounded, 1.6-2.4 cm, densely pubescent, apex 5-6-lobed, lobes spreading, yellow, 3.5-5 mm, hairs copious, spreading, to 1 mm. Stamens 8. Ovary stipitate. Fruit 1-1.5 cm, densely hairy. Fl. winter-spring.

This species is used as an ornamental plant. It is adapted to climates with a distinct dry season and does not flower well in perpetually humid conditions. The name is often applied uncritically to material of hybrid origin.

Cultivated. S China [tropical America].