Shrubs erect, 0.5-1 m. Bark gray, cracked and irregularly fissured. Branches alternate or whorled, rigid, angle of divergence about 30°. Twigs bright green to yellow-green, becoming yellow with age, not viscid, ridges between longitudinal grooves barely papillate, smooth; internodes 1-5 cm. Terminal buds conic, 1-2 mm, apex obtuse. Leaves opposite, 2-5 mm, connate to 1/2-3/4 their length, not photosynthetic; bases thickened, brown, persistent, becoming hard, enlarged, and black; apex setaceous. Pollen cones 2-several at node, obovoid, 5-7 mm, sessile; bracts opposite, 6-10 pairs, light yellow and slightly reddened, ovate, 2-4 × 2-3 mm, membranous, slightly connate at base; bracteoles slightly exceeding bracts; sporangiophores 2-4 mm, 1/4-1/2 exserted, with 5-8 sessile to nearly sessile microsporangia. Seed cones 2-several at node, obovoid, 6-10 mm, sessile or on short, scaly peduncles; bracts opposite, 4-8 pairs, ovate, 4-7 × 2-4 mm, membranous or papery, with yellow center and base, margins entire. Seeds 2, ellipsoid, 5-8 × 2-4 mm, light brown to brown, smooth.

Blood purifier, diuretic and tonic (stems).

Plants For A Future
The Gymnosperm Database

The plant is used as a cure for syphilis. A strong decoction of the stem is drunk and a poultice of the pulverized or boiled stems applied to the sores. An infusion of stems has been used in the treatment of coughs and colds, anaemia, rheumatism, stomach ulcers and other disorders, kidney problems. The dried, powdered stems are used as a dressing on sores and burns.