An erect undershrub, 0.5 to 1.5 m in height. Leaves are 3-foliate. Leaflets finely hairy beneath, the terminal one being oblong, 8-13 cm long and more than twice as large as the lateral ones. Inflorescence terminal and axillary and 8 to 25 cm long; flowers white and about 6 mm long, umbellate or fascicled, hidden by the distichous, orbicular bracts which are 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter. Stamens 10, upper one free, other 9 united. Ovary few- to many-ovuled, superior. Pods oblong, hairy and usually of 2, rarely 1- or 3 joints.
Herb Effects
Used as tonic after childbirth (decoction of roots); antipyretic (plant); antihemorrhagic (bark).
Used to treat cold and fever, malaria, swelling and enlargement of liver and spleen, rheumatism, bone pains and swelling due to contusion or sprain (decoction of dried leaves); to reduce excessive menstrual flow (charred roots); applied to ulcers and skin sores (leaves); in hemorrhages, diarrhea, poisoning, and eye diseases (decoction of bark); for biliousness (decoction of flowers); the whole plant is used in Chinese medicine to treat rheumatic fever, infant convulsions, toothache, to dissolve internal blood clots, and to aid digestion.
Health Remedies 
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