A perennial herb, woody at the base, 0.3—1.5 m tall. Leaves spirally arranged, 2—3-pinnatisect, obovate to oblong-obovate in outline, 4—15 cm x 2—9 cm, ultimate segments obovate-lanceolate to narrowly oblong about 8—14 mm x 1.5—3.5 mm, conspicuously glaucous, crenate, translucent glandular punctate, strong smelling, lower leaves shortly petiolate. Cyme, terminal or in the upper leaf axils, often combined into a corymb, bracts lanceolate, not or scarcely wider than the subtended branch, usually glandular puberulent; flowers 4(—5)-merous, sepals deltate-ovate, 2—3 mm x 1—2 mm, subacute, glandular puberulent, petals oblong, 7—10 mm long, fringed with cilia as long as the width of the petal. Capsule glabrous, segments accuminate.

Abortifacient, anthelmintic, emmenagogue and ophthalmic (plant).

Plants For A Future
PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation

A decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of paralysis, coughs and stomach aches. The leaves have been heated then placed inside the ear to treat earache.