A shrub of 1-3 m tall, with minute lenticels on the branches. Leaves abundant along the twigs, rather persistent, obovate-oblong, (2-)3-6(-7) cm x 1-3 cm, base attenuate, apex rounded or sometimes emarginate, always with a mucronate tip or notch. Flowers in clusters of 1-4(-8), pedicel 5-10 mm, calyx with a 1-1.5 mm long tube and 5 lobes, triangular-ovate, 1.5-2 mm x 1 mm, acuminate, petals oblong, convex, (3.5-)4(-5) mm x 2 mm, white or greenish-white. Fruit ellipsoid-oblong, red.

Anesthetic, sympathomimetic and stimulant (leaves); also acts as a bactericide against Gram-negative bacteria and coccus bacteria.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale / Ethnobotanical Leaflets
Phytomania
PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation

Used for relieving altitude illness (hypoxia), treating gastrointestinal disorders, hunger and fatigue, for relieving the discomfort of colds, bruises, sore joint and muscles, swollen and sore feet, eczema, shingles (herpes zoster) and headaches (leaves).