Foetid shrub c. 1 m high; rhizomatous and forming a small stand with simple, unbranched stems. Leaves membranous and usually torn by maturity. Inflorescence erect. Calyx shining purple; lobes 5-7 mm long, acuminate. Corolla double; tube c. 1.3 cm, members of outer whorl of lobes c. 1 cm long x 1 cm, suborbicular, whole corolla white, except for purple flush on reverse.