Shrub, up to 1.5 m tall with 7-15 (-18) mm long spines. Leaves mostly up to 8 x 3 cm, rarely up to 17 x 6 cm, glabrous, younger ones occasionally stellate tomentose. Flowers 2.5-4 cm long; bracteoles 10-15 mm long. Sepals lanceolate, as long as bracteole. Corolla pubescent externally. Anthers 2-3 (-3.5) mm long.

Fl. Per.: Throughout the year.

Lectotype: India, Herb. Linn. (S).

Distribution: Pakistan eastwards to Indo-China and Malesia.

Also grown as a hedge; its bitter quinine-like extract is used as a cure of whooping cough and tuberculosis.