Herbs, most parts densely pubescent to tomentose. Roots fibrous, fragrant. Stems erect, to 50 cm, sometimes ± inflated. Leaves opposite; petiole ca. 5 mm; leaf blade ovate or ovate-oblong, 5-8(-12) × 3-4(-7) cm, papery, base rounded or sometimes obscurely cordate, apex acute or acuminate; lateral veins 6 or 7 pairs. Inflorescences umbel-like, sessile, 8-10-flowered. Pedicel 1.5 cm. Sepals lanceolate, ca. 3 mm, ciliate, pubescent; basal glands 5. Corolla deep purple, rotate, 1-1.2(-2.2) cm in diam., pubescent outside, glabrous inside; lobes ovate-triangular, 4-7 × 3-3.7 mm, ciliate. Corona deeply 5-lobed; lobes as long as gynostegium, apex rounded, adnate to anthers. Anther appendages rounded; pollinia oblong-ellipsoid. Stigma head depressed. Follicles fusiform to lanceolate in outline, 5.5-11 × 0.5-1.5 cm, base obtuse, apex attenuate, not ridged. Seeds light brown, 4-6 × 3-4 mm; coma 3-4.5 cm.

Depurative, diuretic and febrifuge (root); antitussive and sialagogue (stem)

Plants for a Future

In the treatment of coughs and hectic fevers, haematuria, acute urinary tract infection, pharyngitis, abscesses and snake bites, for sore throat, boils, and sores (root)

Jing-Nuan Wu. An Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica. P: 238, Oxford University Press, Inc.2005.