Stems 35-90 cm tall, dichotomously branched, patently strigose. Leaves scattered along stem, lower ones oblong-obovate, 10-22×3-7 cm, apex acute, base gradually dilated, margins serrate or subentire, strigose, lower surface densely soft puberulent, sparsely appressed-pubescent toward mucronate apex; upper leaves gradually smaller, elliptic or elliptic-oblong. Heads in clusters surrounded by cordate leafy bracts, bracts 3, acuminate, 8-15×7-12 mm, subentire, strigose. Involucre oblong, 6-8×3 mm, bracts strigose, outer 4 lanceolate-oblong, 4-5 mm long; inner 4 elliptic-oblong, 7-8 mm long. Florets 4 per head; corolla 5 mm long, lobes obtuse. Achenes 2.5-3 mm long; pappus bristles 5, stiff, dilated and hairy at base, 3.5-4 mm long. Chromosome number, 2n = 22 (Peng & Hsu, 1978).

TAIPEI: Peichatienshan, Peng 7449; Waishuanghsi, Chen 41. TAOYUAN: Fuhsing, Wang 1955; Hsiayun, Peng 10307. HSINCHU: Lienhuassu, Peng 5142; Wuchihshan, Peng 12912. TAICHUNG: Kukuan, Peng 8724. NANTOU: Hoshe, Peng 11374; Lienhuachih, Lin 232. CHIAYI: Fanlu, Peng 10044; Tienyunshan, Peng 8792. PINGTUNG: Wutai, Lin 313; Shouka, Chen 890. TAITUNG: Lanyu Is., Peng 7661; Taiyuanhsiaku, Chen 448.

Tropical America, introduced into tropical Asia. Taiwan, widespread at low elevations throughout the island.