Herbs dioecious. Stems erect, unarmed; much branched, 50- 70 cm, subsmooth; branches generally striate-ridged, ridges sometimes slightly cartilaginous denticulate. Rootstock a short rhizome with a cluster of fusiform roots; roots swollen at base. Cladodes in fascicles of 5--8, linear, falcate, 3--15 × 0.8--2 mm, flat, midvein distinct. Leaf spur short, not spinescent. Inflorescences developing with cladodes or very soon afterward. Flowers of both sexes solitary or paired; pedicel 1-2 cm, articulate near middle. Male flowers: perianth pale green or sometimes tinged with pale purple, campanulate, ca. 2.5 mm; filaments free; anthers ovate, ca. 8 mm. Berry deep green, 5-6 mm in diam., 2- or 3- seeded.

Anti-pyretic, bechic, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, stimulant and tonic (root); antitussive and stomachic (dried root).

Earthnotes Herb Library
Plants For A Future
Flora of China

Used for treating constipation, cough, hemoptysis, dry throat, and pertussis (root).