Shrub, 1-3 m, with ascending branches. Leaves quickly turning blackish on drying, all spiny-toothed; blade elliptic-lanceolate , 5-8 x 2,5-4 cm, margin scarcely undulate with 3-7 spiny teeth directed forwards, lateral nerves 4-7 on each side; petiole 3-6 x 1-1,5 mm, deeply grooved. FI. 6-7. Forest , scrub, and in shady ravines, 60-1800 m.