Habitat: Subtropical Himalaya, Sikkim, Khasi Hills, Central and Southern India at 1,350 m.
Ayurvedic: Sahachara, Shveta- Rakta-pushpa Saireyaka (white- and red-flowered var.).Siddha/Tamil: Ottamulli.Folk: Katsaraiyaa. Raktajhinti.Action: Extract of the plant— sasmogenic and hypoglycaemic. Root extract—given in anaemia. The leaves are chewed in toothache. Roots and leaves are applied to swellings. An infusion is given in cough.
The roots contain anthraquinones; flowers gave apigenin, naringenin, quercetin and malvindin.