[1][2][3] Native to the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa, it is an aromatic, semi-succulent, fast-growing, erect shrub that reaches the heights of 3 metres (9.8 ft) and has ascending branches that are covered with short, multicellular hairs that are pointed upwards.

[4][5] The ovate to elliptical, somewhat large leaves are 7.4 cm–19 cm x 3.5 cm–11.5cm in size, which are laid out in opposite pairs on the square-shaped stems and feature an edge-shaped base and acute apex, in addition to having clumps of purplish hairs on the nodes.

The double-lipped petals are 1.5-2.4 cm long, that range from bluish-purple, and at times pink or white.

It produces flowers in autumn, from March (or as early as February) to May with a peak in April (in the southern hemisphere), although sporadic blooming can occur at any time of the year.

It is generally found in the understorey at forest margins or on wooded creek banks.