A climbing shrub with dense tufts of adventitious roots; shoots quadrangular. Leaves variable. 0.8-6.5 x 0.6-2.5 cm, ovate or oblong-lanceolate, acute, crenate, subcoriaceous, glabrous; main lateral veins 8-10 pairs; petiole up to 6 cm long. Flowers greenish, in short axillary cymes. Calyx lobes rounded, entire. Petals 4 mm long, greenish-white, orbicular, crenulate. Stamens shorter than the petals. Capsule globose, c. 8 mm in diameter, covered with dark coloured spines, stalk 5-6 mm long; seeds enclosed in a scarlet aril.

Fl. Per.: March-April.

Type: Described from the Himalayas.

Distribution: Temperate Himalayan tracts of Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim from 1500-3000m.

Grows in moist shady forests, climbing or trailling on trees and docks.