A decidious shrub growing to 2.5m. Leaves 2–6 cm, (ob)lanceolate. Flower calyx 3–4 mm, bell-shaped, lobes generally 2–3, 1–2 mm; corolla funnel-shaped, lavender to purple, fading tan, tube 4–6 mm, ± abruptly expanded to throat, lobes spreading, < tube; stamens ± equal, attached at middle of tube, hair-tufted at base. Fruit 1 cm, fleshy, bright red. Seeds 10–20.

Antibacterial, diuretic and purgative (root bark); anticancer (plant)

Plants For A Future

The ripe fruits are useful for treating dizziness and blurred vision, soreness in the loins and knees, seminal emission and chronic cough. A sweet tonic decoction made from the fruits is used to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. The fruit is taken internally in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, poor eyesight, vertigo, lumbago, impotence and menopausal complaints. The root bark controls coughs and lowers fevers, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. It is taken internally in the treatment of chronic fevers, internal haemorrhages, nosebleeds, tuberculosis, coughs, asthma etc. It is applied externally to treat genital itching.

Jing-Nuan Wu. An Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica. P: 402, Oxford University Press, Inc.2005.