A perennial or semi-shrubby, variably succulent herb up to 100(-120) cm tall, non-tuberous. Leaves broadly ovate, suborbicular or reniform, (3-)5-7(-10) cm x (2.5-)4-6(-8.5) cm, thick and fleshy. Flowers in dense verticillasters disposed in terminal spike-like inflorescences, calyx subequally 5-toothed, corolla 8-12 mm long, pinkish-lilac to blue. Nutlets flattened-globose, about 0.7 mm long, smooth, pale brown.

As a carminative (leaves); anti-influenza (leaf juice); pectoral and vulnerary (plant)

PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation

The leaves are used to treat sores, fever (externally and internally), headache (externally), aphtha and thrush (chewing), wounds, cough, asthma, bronchitis, burns, insect stings, stings of centipedes and scorpions, complaints of the genito-urinary system and colics. An infusion of leaves is used in dyspepsia and asthma. A decoction of leaves is given after childbirth, and the juice to treat cough. The sap squeezed from heated leaves is used externally for cuts, sores and scabies.