Annual or perennial herb up to 60 cm tall. Leaves alternate, paripinnate with 5–17 pairs of leaflets; stipules falcate, slightly cordate at base; petiole with sessile gland, rachis without gland; leaflets sessile, elliptical, up to 17 mm × 3 mm, midrib asymmetrical, apex acute with prickle-like point bent sideways. Inflorescence a 1–3-flowered raceme. Flowers bisexual, nearly regular, 5-merous; pedicel 1–2.5 cm long, hairy; sepals acute, pubescent; petals obovate, up to 10 mm long, yellow; stamens 8–10; ovary superior, 1-celled, style curved. Fruit a pod up to 4.5 cm × 0.5 cm. Seeds rhombic, c. 3 mm long.

PROTAbase: Chamaecrista falcinella

A decoction of the pounded leaves is drunk as a remedy for rheumatism. Pounded leaves mixed with ghee are rubbed on the skin to promote healing of broken bones. The pounded roots are mixed with water and drunk to treat diarrhea.