A perennial semi-succulent herb up to 75 cm tall, with generally decumbent stem rooting at lower nodes and thick tuberous roots. Leaves ovate-oblong, 3-9 cm x 2-5 cm, thick. Flowers in lax verticillasters disposed in terminal raceme-like inflorescences, calyx 2-lipped, corolla 13-17 mm long, deep purplish-blue. Nutlets globose, about 1.2 mm long, granulate, blackish-brown.

Analgesic and anti-allergic.

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

Used to cure liver and stomach diseases, and a decoction of plant used to treat asthma, fever, nausea, rheumatism, colic, urinary tract infections, cough, epilepsy and convulsions. It is boiled with rock salt and used for curing sore throat.