Habit : Suffruticose, herb reaching 2 metres in height, sparingly hairy or densely pubescent, sometimes almost woolly
Stem : Branches tomentose, acutely quadrangular.
Leaves : 3.5-10 x 2.5-9 cm ovate, truncate or cordate at base acute at apex, crenate-serrate, thick softly pubescent on both sides, petioles up to 8 cm long, pubescent.
Inflorescence : Spike like racemes.
Flowers : Purple in dense spicate whorls, axillary and interrupted below, bracts 4-5mm long, linear, pubescent. Calyx about 6 mm hirsute, lobes about as long as the tube, hairy, acuminate. Corolla 2 cm long, reddish-purple, bilipped. Filaments bearded.
Fruit : Nutlets, ovoid, smooth, shining, black when ripe.
Flowering and Fruiting Time : May to October.
Significance : It is useful as an astringent and carminative.