Trees up to 16 m high, stem glabrous, young growth tomentose. Leaves scattered or clustered at the end of the branches, varying in size, 7-25 x 5-11 cm, glabrate, younger tomentose, broadly elliptic-lanceolate, varying in shape, 12-15-nerved. Pedicel tomentose, 2.5-5 cm long. Sepals ovate, acuminate, pubescent. Corolla white, lobes ovate-acuminate. Stamens 20 or more. Furit a berry, fleshy, brown tomentose.

Fl. & Fr. Per.: July-August.

Lectotype: Wight 1743 (L). (Royen, l.c. 54).

Distribution: Sri Lanka, India, Burma. In Pakistan it is cultivated in Sind and Punjab.

Royen recognizes 2 varieties, one var. latifolia (Roxb.) Chevalier is based on Bassia latifolia Roxb., Pl. Cor. 20.t. 19.1795. it seems that our specimen falls in the var. latifolia (Roxb.) Chevalier group.

The fragrant flowers are edible and are largely used in the preparation of distilled liquors and vinegar. Flowers are regarded as cooling, tonic and demulcent. They are used for coughs, colds and bronchitis. The honey from flowers is edible and used in eye diseases. A low quality of oil is extracted form the seeds which is eaten and used in soap making. The wood is very hard and is used for furniture. The bark is used medicinally in leprosy.