Identification:
This plant is a woody perennial, typically reaching a height of approximately 1 meter. It has a rigid stem with sprawling branches that are covered in hairs. The stipules are small, and the undersides of the leaves are hairy. The flowers are arranged in upright racemes, 30–40 cm tall, with groups of 3–4 dark red flowers. These flowers possess coarse hairs and small keels. The fruits are round, tapering at both ends, and can reach up to 12 cm in length. They are covered in recumbent hairs and contain 17–20 large, brown seeds.
Biology and Ecology:
The plant grows wild in dry areas and agricultural lands, and is particularly abundant in degraded habitats throughout the central and southern provinces of Vietnam. It prefers moist, sunny environments and regenerates readily from seeds during the growing season.
Distribution:
The species originated in Central America and was introduced to Vietnam. It is now found throughout most provinces in Vietnam.