The corolla is absent but the involucre has two bright red bracts, almost round to ovate, 3-7 mm long.

The latex is applied to cuts made by collectors in the bark of the Palmyra palm, to prevent attacks by the red weevil.

Though it is a diuretic, purgative, rubefacient and vermifuge, and therefore has been used to treat constipation, asthma, sore throat and other conditions.

Sushruta prescribed it mixed with water to treat various abdominal conditions such as jaundice and ascites, skin diseases, urinary disorders, even diabetes.

The antibacterial activity had been harnessed by traditional practitioners as seen in its application for the treatment of ulcers, and the dressing of wounds.

The root serves as an antispasmodic, and mixed with black pepper is applied to cure snake bites.

The hydroalcoholic extract of dried leaves at 70% V/V demonstrated a greater anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect than standard doses of indomethacin and diclofenac sodium.

[5] Ethyl acetate extract showed significant cytotoxicities against the following cell lines: Lewis lung carcinoma, B16F10 melanoma and SW480 human colon adenocarcinoma in a dose-dependent manner.