A much-branched shrub. Branches sulcate-striate, puberulous, purplish. Leaves subsessile, coriaceous, 2–3 in. long, subglabrous or pilose on both surfaces, oblong, obtuse, subcordate or rounded, rarely tapering at the base, where they are provided on either side with two prominent stalked glands, dentate, unicostate. Peduncle axillary, simple, less than an inch long, covered with reddish silky hairs. Bracts lanceolate acuminate. Flowers large, white, 2–2 1/2 in. in diameter when expanded. Sepals quincuncially imbricate, oblong, acute, the exposed portions covered with golden-brown or rust-coloured silky hairs, the covered edges white, petaloid. Petals membranous, white, obtuse, exceeding the calyx and attached to its throat. Corona annular, crenulate and ciliate at the margin. Column bearing on its upper portion 20 stamens, filaments exceeding the ovary; anthers apiculate. Ovary globose or ovoid, densely hispid at the apex. Capsule not exceeding the persistent calyx. Seeds pitted.
