An annual to perennial, decumbent or ascending herb, 10—30(—40) cm tall, rooting at the base, stems branched, especially below, spreading, slender, glabrous. Leaves ovate-lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, 2—7 cm x 0.3—1 cm, apex acute to subobtuse, appressed hairy on midrib beneath, subsessile, ocrea tubular, truncate, 0.5—1.2 cm long, short ciliate. Inflorescence consisting of 1—3 terminal or axillary spikes or pseudospikes, slender, erect, 1.5—5 cm x 0.5 cm, dense or interrupted; bracts 2—2.5 mm long, obtuse, ciliate, perianth minute, pink, rarely white. Nutlet ovoid or ellipsoid, 1—2.5 mm long, biconvex, shiny black or brown.

PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation
Plants For A Future
Plant Species in the Taman sari

A decoction of the leaves is taken for indigestion. The oil extracted from pounded leaves are applied to scalp for dandruff. The entire plant is used in post-natal tonics.

People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.