Shrubs erect, 0.25-1 m. Bark gray, cracked and irregularly fissured. Branches alternate or whorled, rigid, angle of divergence about 45. Twigs blue-green, becoming gray with age, glaucous, with numerous very fine longitudinal grooves; internodes 2-5 cm. Terminal buds conic, less than 4 mm. Leaves in whorls of 3, 2-5 mm, connate to 2/3 their length; bases becoming gray and shredded with age; apex acute. Pollen cones 1-4 at node, ovoid, 6-8 mm, sessile; bracts in 6-9 whorls of 3, cream to pale yellow, ovate, slightly clawed, 2-4 × 2-4 mm, membranous; bracteoles slightly exceeding bracts; sporangiophores 2-4 mm, exserted to 1/2 their length, with 5-8 sessile to short-stalked microsporangia. Seed cones 1-several at node, ovoid, 9-15 mm, sessile; bracts in 5 or 6 whorls of 3, obovate, 6-9 × 6-10 mm, papery, translucent with orange-yellow to greenish yellow center and base, base clawed, margins minutely dentate, undulate. Seeds 1-2(-3), ellipsoid, 7-10 × 1.5-3 mm, light brown to yellowish green, scabrous.

Diuretic, pectoral and stomachic

Plants For A Future
The Gymnosperm Database

The plant has a wide reputation as a cure for syphilis. A decoction of the stems is used, this decoction is also used in treating coughs, bladder and kidney problems and stomach disorders. A decoction of the leaves and stems has been used as a lotion on itchy skin.