A robust herb, 2—4 m tall, strongly aromatic when bruised. Leaves are narrowly lanceolate, 40—90 cm x 7(—20) cm, acuminate, usually densely pubescent below or pubescent on margins and midrib, sheath densely short hairy near the blade, ligule entire, up to 1 cm long, hairy, petiole 3—7 cm long. Inflorescence racemose, erect or slightly curved, about 35 cm long, with 30 or more cincinni usually of 2 flowers each, bracts absent, bracteoles 1.5—2 cm long, caducous as the flower opens, white, cincinni of 2 very shortly pedicellate flowers or reduced to a single flower, pedicel 0.5—1.5 cm long. Capsule is globose , up to 3 cm in diameter, shortly pubescent and red. Seed 3—4-angular, about 5 mm long.

As an emetic (infusion of the ripe and unripe fruits)

PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation

To cure wounds and sores (pounded rhizome); chewed together with betel nut to make the voice strong and clear (rhizome); applied for gastralgia with tympanites (decoction of the fruit or the crushed seed); used for bathing feverish people (decoction of plant).