An ornamental herb which grows from a rhizome. Stems are fleshy, terete, and unbranched. Leaves are simple, exstipulate, and alternate. Petiole is 1–2cm. Blade is broadly ovate to subcordate, 3cm × 18cm, thinly coriaceous, and abaxially densely glandular; base is cordate, the margin is entire, and the blade shows a net of palmate nervations. Flowers are white with a yellow center, 7mm–12cm long, with five lobes which are ovate–elliptical, and densely fimbriate-pilose. Anthers are sagitate, 2–2.2mm long. Ovary is cylindrical and the stigma lobes are triangular. Fruits are elliptic capsules which are 3–5mm long.

As carminative and antiscorbutic (plant)

Used to promote pregnancy, to reduce fever and to invigorate (plant).

Christophe Wiart. Medicinal Plants of Asia and the Pacific, P:241, CRC Press, June 2006.