A diffusely branched, up to 35 cm tall, glabrous annual herb, usually branched from the base. Leaves petiolate, petiole 1.5-4 cm long; blade ovate to ovate-lanceolate, 2-4.5 x 1-3 cm, obtuse or somewhat acute, entire; ochrea lacerate. Male flowers axillary or in terminal clusters or in short spikes, sessile. Female flowers in axillary clusters, sessile and in short leafless spikes. Fruit enclosed in 11-12 mm long perianth segments, the 3 outer segments ending into 1-2 mm long spine, each centrarlly ribbed and foveolate on either side with 2 grooves one above the other, basally with 6 spine-like points; inner segments erect, lanceolate.

Fl. Per.: April-June.

Type: South Africa, Cape of Good Hope (Collector and locality uncertain).

Distribution: Native of South Africa. Introduced into New Zealand, Australia and U.S.A. In Pakistan also probably an introduction.