A variable perennial, hairy, rarely glabrous herb, rhizome vertical to diagonal, 1.5—4 mm in diameter, with leaves and rooting stems at apex, stems horizontal, up to 1 m long, slender. Leaves ovate, 1—10 cm x 1—6.5 cm, 1—2 times longer than broad, base deeply cordate, apex acute to acuminate, margins serrate to serrate-crenate, pubescent to hirsute, especially on veins, pale green, petiole 1—17 cm long, pilose especially distally, stipules lanceolate, 7—30 mm long, long-fimbriate, pubescent. Flowers (5—)8—14 mm in diameter, purple to white with darker veins, peduncle 4—12 cm long, pilose, especially distally, sepals linear-lanceolate, 3.5—9 mm long, apex acute, entire to denticulate, pilose, appendage 0.8—2.5 mm long, pointed or denticulate, pilose, petals 1.5—4 times longer than broad, basal petal obovate, lateral petals oblanceolate, bearded, upper pair usually slightly bearded, spur cylindrical, 1—2.5 mm long, obtuse, style 1.5—3 mm long, filiform, apex slightly to strongly curved, stigma emarginate. Capsule ellipsoid, 5—10 mm long, glabrous or pubescent in centre of valves, without mechanism for explosive seed dispersal; seed with large elaiosome.

Diuretic and expectorant (aerial parts, especially the flowers); emollient (leaves).

PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation
HP Forest Department - Van Vihar at Potter's Hill

The plant is boiled in water and the decoction taken for relief in cough, cold and chest congestion. Bandage is made from it and used as poultice for wounds. The crushed aerial parts are applied for rheumatism and to ulcers, sores, swellings and cuts. The leaves are used in the treatment of cancer. The syrup made from the flowers is a well-known Unani medicine for cough, colds, asthma and hoarseness.