A large shrub to medium sized tree, up to 20 m. Leaves 6-15 cm long, 2-6 cm broad, elliptic or obovate to oblong, glabrous or slightly hairy underneath, subsessile, attenuate at the base, acute-acuminate. Inflorescence a densely flowered terminal raceme, pendulous, up to 50 cm long. Bracts elliptic-lanceolate; flowers 2-3 cm in diameter; pedicel (1.5-) 3-7 mm long. Sepals 4, free at least above, semicircular, obtuse, 2-3.5 mm long, 1.5-3 mm broad. Petals 4 (-5), elliptic, 6-12 mm long. Stamens in 3 whorls, innermost converted into staminodes. Ovary usually 2-loculed with 1-2 cm long style. Fruit ovoid, 2-6 cm long, 1-2.5 cm wide, quadrangular. Seeds ovoid, grooved, 1-4 x 0.5-1.5 cm.

Fl. Per.: May-September.

Lectotype: Ceylon, Herb. Hermann 190 (cf. Payens, l.c.).

Distribution: Pakistan (?), India, Bangla Desh, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaya, Philippines, New Guinea and N. Australia.

Its occurrence in Pakistan in wild state seems to be improbable. However it is cultivated in gardens for its beautiful flowers. Payens (l.c.) recognizes two subspecies. Our specimens belong to the type subspecies.