An annual subshrub-like herb that can reach a height of 1-2 m. The stem and twigs are covered with fine hairs. The velvety, heart-shaped leaves are alternate, about 5-10 cm long, densely stellate pubescent on both surfaces, with minutely crenate margin, long acuminate apex and cordate base. Petiole is 3-12 cm long with stellate hairs. The stipule is shed early. Yellow flowers are produced solitarily in leaf axils. The pedicel is pubescent, 1-3 cm long, with a knot near the apex. The calyx is cup-shaped, densely puberulous, with five ovate lobes about 6 mm long. Petals are yellow, obovate, and about 1 cm in length. Fruits are semi-globose capsules, about 2 cm in diameter and 1.2 cm in length, with 15-20 scabrous mericarps bearing two long awns at the apex. Seeds are brown, stellately puberulous and reniform.

Demulcent (leaves); diuretic, emollient, laxative and stomachic (seed)

Plants for a Future
PIER

Fever, dysentery, and stomachaches (plant); in the treatment of dysentery and opacity of the cornea; in the treatment of dysentery and urinary incontinence (root); A poultice of the leaves is applied to ulcers.