Branches terete, glabrous or pubescent. Leaves elliptic oblong to linear-lanceolate, 5-10 x 0.8-1.8 cm, acute to obtuse, apiculate, glabrous, sometimes pubescent below. Petiole 3-5 mm long. Pedicels short, covered by numerous imbricating bracts. Calyx c. 2.5 mm long, lobes c. 2 mm long. Corolla 5-6.5 mm long, greenish outside, purple inside, lobes 4-5 mm long. Follicle 10-15 x c. 0.6 cm, tapering to a point. Seeds 6-8.5 mm long, ovate, oblong, flattened, black, coma white, 2.5 cm long.

Fl. Per.: Throughout the year.

Type: ‘Habitat in Zeylona’.

Distribution: Pakistan (Waziristan, Baluchistan), India, Ceylon and Malaysia.

The root in reputed to have medicinal properties and is used as a substitute for sarsaparilla.