A shrub with many stems, up to 2 m tall. Leaves obovate-oblong, 6-10 cm x 2.5-5 cm, coriaceous, base rounded, cordate or sometimes obtuse, apex obtuse, petiole short, stipules long-awned. Inflorescence, red; branchlets opposite; flowers with corolla tube 3-3.5 cm long, lobes circular-obovate, broadly rounded at apex, 6 mm x 6 mm, orange-red or white (cultivated plants only), not fragrant. Fruit globose, black.
A decoction of the root is used after childbirth and against bronchial disorders. An infusion of the fresh flowers is said to be a remedy against incipient tuberculosis and haemorrhage. An infusion of leaves or flowers is used against headache. A decoction of the flowers is prescribed in amenorrhoea and hypertension.
Health Remedies 
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