A diffuse prostrate perennial. Stem papillose to glabrous. Leaves 1.5-4.0 cm long, 0.6-2.7 cm broad, oblong to obovate, papillose; petiole 8-11 mm long, with a sheathing base. Flowers axillary, solitary or 2-5, sessile; bract solitary, ovate-lanceolate, c. 3 mm long; bracteoles 2-3, unequal, scarious. Calyx persistent, papillose, sepals oblong ovate, c. 2 mm long, margin white. Stamens 5, alternating with the sepals, filaments c. 2 mm long, dilated at the base. Ovary c. 2 mm long, ob-pyramidal, papillose; styles 2, c. 1-2 mm long, linear, slightly curved, persistent. Pyxidium 1.4—5mm long, 4-seeded, splitting longitudinally, lid mitreform, c. 2 mm broad, margin irregularly lobed; amphora 2 seeded. Seeds 1.5 mm long, black, rugose.

Fl. Per.: April-August in the Punjab, later in Sind.

Type: Arabia, cultivated at Uppsala from seed sent by Forskal (LINN, lecto.).

Distribution: Africa, India, Iran and W. Pakistan.

A desert species of the plains, especially common in Sind. Abundant after the rains and found up to 1600 m alt. s.m. Can be used for stomach complaints, snake bite and as a fodder for cattle.