A spreading, deciduous shrub, growing up to 2m; stem much-branched; twigs rigid, becoming spine-like. Leaves generally clustered, deciduous; petiole 0–7 mm; blade 9–30 mm, elliptic to oblanceolate, finely serrate, base tapered, tip generally acute. Flowers 1–2; pedicel 4–7 mm; sepals puberulent inside; petals 5–9 mm, reddish. Fruits 10–14 mm, subspheric, densely puberulent, red-orange; pulp dry.
A decoction of the stems, leaves or roots has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea. A weak decoction of the bark has been used in the treatment of rheumatism. A hot infusion of the branches or the leaves has been used in the treatment of colds. A decoction of the dried bark strips has been used as a winter tonic to ward off influenza
Health Remedies 
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