An erect shrub, up to 2 m tall. Leaves obovate, elliptical or ovate-oblong, (15—)20—30 cm x 9—10(—20) cm, apex acute, short acuminate, variously pubescent above, hispid-pubescent beneath, basal veins 2—3 pairs, lateral veins 10—12 pairs, other veins parallel or reticulate. Inflorescence axillary, spiciform or racemiform, or fascicled, at the lower part of stem; perianth funnel-shaped, up to 12.5 cm long, deep reddish-purple and purple mottled, reticulate veins prominent, puberulous, tube about half the length of the perianth, lobes triangular, 5—6 cm x 6—7 cm, stamens in 2 whorls, upper whorl 15(—18), lower whorl 15(—24), style short, lobes 8—19. Capsule slender, 10—15 cm long.

Considered an excellent tonic (rhizome)

PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation

A decoction of rhizome is given for fever, ague and dysentery.