A deep-rooting, tussock-forming shrub, 1—4 m tall, young branches ribbed, triangular in cross section. Leaves 3-foliolate, petiole up to 10 cm long, leaflets elliptical-lanceolate, 6—16 cm x 4—7 cm, base rounded, apex rounded to acuminate, veins covered with silky hairs, papery, dark green. Inflorescence a dense axillary raceme, subspiciform, sessile, 2.5—10 cm long, silky, bracts ovate, 3—6 mm long; calyx 6—13 mm long, pale green, velutinous; corolla standard elliptical, greenish with distinct parallel red veins, wings narrow and much shorter than the keel, light purple at the apex. Pod oblong, 8—15 mm x 5 mm, covered with fine glandular hairs, dark brown, 2-seeded. Seed globular, 2—3 mm in diameter, shiny black.

Used as an antipyretic in post-partum fevers (root).

Used to relieve stomach-ache (whole plant); applied externally to ulcers and swellings, and in treating puerperal fever, paralysis and painful joints (roots); to bathe swellings and sores (decoction of root).