Syncolostemon bracteosus (Benth.) D.F.Otieno

Herb, probably annual, sometimes woody at the base, 0.25-0.7 m tall; stems sparingly to densely pilose with long weak multicellular hairs. Leaves sessile; blade narrowly lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 40-90 x 8-24 mm, upper surface hispidulous, under-surface sparingly to densely canescent, apex acute, base attenuate, margin usually distinctly toothed. Inflorescence simple or paniculate, lax, 120-300 mm long; verticils 4-6-flowered; bracts large, broadly ovate, 5-10 x 4-8 mm, persisting as an apical coma. Calyx 7 mm long when mature, glandular-villous. Corolla white or tinged with mauve, rarely violet, 10-11 mm long; tube 7-8 mm long, expanding gradually to 2.5-3 mm wide at the mouth; lower lip 3 mm long. Stamens exserted shortly beyond the lower lip; upper pair attached below the middle of the tube, finely puberulous for half or more of their length; lower pair united to near the apex. Stigma somewhat clavate.

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid regions with a marked dry season. It grows in well-drained sandy soils. It grows between 380-1,150 m above sea level. It is often along creek banks. It can grow in arid places.

The leaves are boiled in water and the tea is drunk as a refreshing drink.

Can be grown by seedlings.