An evergreen shrub. Leaves are alternate, opposite, or sometimes whorled, and are simple to pinnately dissected; stipules are absent. Flowers are bisexual and zygomorphic, and sometimes have brightly colored and conspicuous associated bracts; calyx is commonly deeply 4-5 lobed or cleft. The corolla is sympetalous, usually 4-5-lobed, sometimes 2-lipped, and sometimes forms a nectary spur or sac; androecium consists of 2 or 5 stamens or more commonly of 4 didynamous stamens adnate to the corolla tube or perigynous zone, alternate with the lobes; gynoecium consists of a single compound pistil of 2 carpels, a single style, and a superior, sometimes asymmetric ovary with 2 sometimes unequal locules, each containing numerous axile ovules. The fruit type is usually a capsule.

Anaesthetic, diuretic, parasiticide and vasodilator (pericarp).

Plants For A Future

The pericarp is used in the treatment of gastralgia and dyspepsia due to cold with vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, ascariasis and dermal diseases. It is also used against the pork tapeworm infection.