Perennial, glabrous, succulent herb. Stem 30-150 cm high, branched, erect, stout. Leaves simple, opposite, succulent, oblong-lanceolate, serrate, obtuse, 15-28 x 2-5 cm, purple blotched beneath, petiole 2-5 cm long. Inflorescence compound cyme. Flowers pendulous, large, bisexual, 4-merous, pedicel 4-6 mm long. Calyx gamosepalous, lobes glabrous, acute, 4-7 x 2-4 mm. Corolla tubular, 18-23 x 3-4 mm, glabrous, purple, lobes obovate, round at the apex. Filaments inserted at the middle of corolla-tube. Carpels 4, styles smaller than the ovary, numerous ovules per locule. Nectar scales oblong, 1.5-2 x 0.3-1 mm. Follicles, 7-10 x 2-4 mm. Seed 0.6-1 x 0.2-0.3 mm, oblong with longitudinal striae.

Fl. Per.: February-April.

Type: Madagascar, Mont Androhibolava, Marosavoha, Isalo and Makay. Perrier de la Bâthie s.n. (P).

Distribution: Native of Madagascar. Introduced and naturalized in many parts of tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia, North America and South Africa; cultivated in Pakistan.