Annual, c. 60-250 cm tall; many ascending branches, pubescent. Leaf simple, c. 2.5-10.5 cm long, c. 6-20 mm broad, linear or oblong, obtuse or subacute, apiculate, pubescent on both sides, hairs appressed, silky; petiole c. 1.2-2.5 mm long; stipules almost absent. Inflorescence an erect terminal and lateral raceme, up to 30 cm long, 12-20-flowered. Pedicel c. 3-7 mm long. Bract minute; bracteoles 2, below the calyx. Calyx c. 1.8-2.0 cm long, pubescent, teeth linear-lanceolate. Corolla bright yellow. Vexillum ovate-oblong, slightly exserted. Fruit c. 2.5-3.2 cm long, sessile, pubescent, 10-15-seeded.

Fl.Per. May-September.

Lectotype: Herb.Linn.895/11 (LINN).

Distribution: Doubtfully wild; cultivated extensively for fibre in Pakistan; India; Burma; Malay Isles; Australia; Russia; introduced in Tropical Africa.

Cultivated for its fibres, which provide the Sunn Hemp of commerce.