An erect shrub up to 3 m tall, branches cylindrical. Leaves 1-foliolate, petiole (0.2—)1—2.5 cm long, leaflets ovate-elliptical to lanceolate, (3—)7—13(—20) cm x (1.5—)3—7(—12) cm, base obtuse, apex obtuse to acuminate, pubescent underneath. Inflorescence composed of short axillary racemes, hidden by bracts, 10—18 cm long, bracts foliaceous, folded, (1.2—)2(—3.5) cm long, emarginate, bracteoles present or not; calyx pubescent, corolla standard obovate, wings narrow, yellowish-green to white. Pod oblong, 7—12 mm x 5—7 mm, velutinous, 2-seeded. Seed orbicular, 2(—4) mm in diameter, brown or black.

Employed both externally and internally as an anthelmintic for children (leaves); as contraceptive for women (seeds).

PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation

Genistein (leaf diffusate)

Given as a post-partum medicine and as a lotion to relieve rheumatism (decoction or infusion of the leaves); prescribed in tuberculosis (decoction or infusion of the leaves and flowers); to induce sleep, relieve pain and for epilepsy (roots).