| HABIT : A small, succulent, creeping much branched herb, rooting at the nodes. |
| LEAVES : 0.4 - 2.8 cm long, obovate - oblong or spathulate, lower surface dotted, opposite, decussate, sessile. |
| INFLORESCENCE : Axillary solitary |
| FLOWERS : Bracteoles 2, linear, acute, 0.5 cm long.
Calyx glabrous, unequal outermost sepal, ovate, acute; 2 innermost sepals narrow, lanceolate and acute.
Corolla bilipped, bluish in colour, lobes subequal, glistening with shining dots when fresh.
Stamens 4, didynamous, included, anthers bluish - purple, pollen white.
Ovary 5 - ceclled, ovules many, style dilated at the tip, stigma bilobed.
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| FRUIT : Ovoid, acute, 0.4 cm long, glabrous. |
| SEED : Many, oblong, striate. |
| FLOWERING AND FRUITING TIME : January - May |
| It has been reported to reduce oxidation of fats in the blood stream, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. |
| It has been used for centuries to help benefit epilepsy, memory capacity, increase concentration, and reduce stress-induced anxiety. |
| It is listed as a nootropic, a drug that enhances cognitive ability. According to Ayurveda, it is bitter, pungent, heating, emetic, laxative and useful in bad ulcers, tumours, ascites, enlargement of spleen, indigestion, inflammations, leprosy, anaemia, biliousness etc. |
