Vern. Ghugtai, Dalochi.

Shrubs 1-2 m tall. Bark dark grey, peeling off in thin longitudinal strips. Leaves 2.5-4.5 cm long, 1-2 cm broad, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, acuminate minutely serrate, scabrid above with 5-rayed stellate hairs, each with an upright ray in the centre; grey tomentose below with 8-9-rayed stellate hairs with upright rays; petiole 2-4 mm long. Flowers 8-15, in short trichotomous panicles, white, fragrant, 5-8 mm in diam. Sepals oblong to lanceolate, c. 2 mm long, 1 mm broad, stellately pubescent with 10-rayed stellate hairs with upright rays. Petals oblong, 7-12 mm long, 3-4 mm broad, stellately pubescent without upright rays in the centre. Stamens 10, 5 with filaments, 2.5 mm long, alternating with the petals and 5 short with filaments, 0.5 mm long, antipetalous; lateral teeth horn-like. Styles 4, filiform, included. Capsule 3-4 mm in diam., subglobose with truncate apex.

Fl. Per. April-May.

Type: High mountains in Nepal, Wallich 3651 a, (K,W).

Distribution: N.W. Himalayas, Kashmir, Nepal & N. China; from 1000-3000m alt. s.m. Often found in open grassy fields, on banks and sunny hillsides.