Fire Flame Bush is a many branched deciduous shrub that grows to a height of 4-5 meters. It takes its name from the red coloration of both its bark and its flowers. It grows throughout Kerala up to an altitude of 1500 meters.

The flowers are used in Ayurvedic medicines for treating burning sensation, skin diseases, diarrhea and  dysentery. They also encourage fermentation in Arishta and Asava preparations (alcoholic preparations in Ayurveda).