This species is evergreen, single-stemmed or much branched from near the ground, sometimes stilt-rooted,[3] and has linear to narrowly oblong-elliptic leaves with numerous parallel nerves, up to 400 x 20 mm, mostly in terminal clusters, clasping the stem for half its circumference (half-amplexicaul).

Flowers are in terminal spikes or panicles (racemose to paniculate), cream or pure white in colour, yellow-green on the outside, and sweetly fragrant when opening at night.

[5] Substances have been isolated from this species that inhibit fungal growth and the development of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

It is also used against nausea and vomiting, parasitic infections, both cutaneous and subcutaneous, swelling, oedema and gout, mouth sores, worms, lung ailments.

Pulverised roots are soaked in cold water and the infusion is used against stomach-ache, gonorrhoea and chest pains.

Found in Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, Gambia, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Cameroun and Nigeria, it may be propagated from seed, leaf cuttings, rhizomes or suckers.