A tree, 3—17 m tall, 10—30 cm in trunk diameter. Leaves arranged spirally or in a pseudo-whorl; petiole up to 1.5 cm long; blade narrowly elliptical to oblanceolate, 4—12 cm x 1—3 cm. Inflorescence terminal or axillary, many-flowered, thyrsoid, about 3—4 cm in diameter with pubescent branches; flowers functionally unisexual; sepals 5, free, ovate, about 2 mm x 1 mm; petals 5, oblong-linear, up to 8 mm x 1 mm, white; stamens 5, best developed in male flowers, pistil best developed in female flowers. Fruit a compressed globose capsule, about 7 mm in diameter, slightly apiculate, 2-valved. Seeds 6— 8, subreniform, about 3 mm x 2 mm.

Used as a febrifuge and in large amounts as a general antidote (bark).

PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation

Used in baths by women after childbirth (decoction of leaves); to treat bronchitis (bark).