A perennial herb. Root terete, 20-40 cm X 6-9 mm, enlarged at end. Stems multi-branched basally, sometimes only few, 20-29 cm X 3-5 mm. Petiole sessile; leaf blade linear-lanceolate, linear or linear-elliptic, varied much, 2-7 cm X 4-5 mm, apex obtuse or acuminate, attenuate at base, entire; lateral veins pinnate, inconspicuous; involucral-leaves 3-6, obovate-elliptic, 1-2.5 cm X 4-6 mm, apex obtuse or acute, attenuate at base. Cyathia, subsessile; involucre cup-like, ca. 3 X 3 mm, 4 lobes, lobes rounded, white pilose on margin and inside; glands 4, crescent, two horns inconspicuous, dark yellow to light brown; male flowers many, extended out of cup; ovary smooth and glabrous, pedicel 3-6 mm, extended out of cup; styles connated below 2/3, persistent, easily fallen; stigma slightly 2-lobed. Capsule trigonous-globose, 3.5-4.5 X 3.5-4.5 mm. Seeds long globose, ca. 2.5 X 2 mm, gray-brown to light brown; carunculate peltate, without stipe.

Drastic purgative and diuretic

Flora of China

Used internally for treating anasarca, ascites, hydrothorax, intestinal obstruction, intestinal hydrops and epilepsy; externally for carbuncles, boils, and sores.

Contraindicated for weak patients or pregnant women.