A small tree upto 5 m tall. Leaves 7-10 x 2-4 cm, obolong-lanceolate, acuminate, serrulate, base rounded or subcordate, 3 or obscurely 5-nerved, rough on both surfaces with scabrid hairs. Stipules lateral, linear, longer than petiole, caducous. Inflorescence in axillary clusters; male cymes shorter than petiole. Female flowers longer than petiole. Drupe small, ovoid with persistent calyx.

Fl. Per.: April-June.

Syntype: Nepal, Wall. Cat. no. 3693; Kumaon, Thompson 838.

Distribution: Himalaya, extending eastward to India, Bhutan and S. W. China.

Found in sub-Himalayan tract, Outer Himalaya and Salt range up to 900 m. The wood is hard and brownish, the leaves are exceedingly rough, like sand paper. The bast fibers are used for making ropes.