A medium-sized bush/ tree from the family Lamiaceae. The plant is naturally occurring in coastal regions of South and Southeast Asia, Australia and tropical regions of America and Africa.
It has opposite, broadly ovate, smooth leaves, rounded or obtuse at the base. The flowers are small and pale greenish to white, occuring in many branched, crowded corymbs. The fruits are small and green berries becoming purple when mature. Each berry has a single seed. The branched reticulate peduncles are exposed as a striking net like pattern after the shedding of the flowers and berries.
The plant has many medicinal uses. Its extract is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. Extract of the leaves is having analgesic and antipyretic properties and is used for treatment of headaches and fevers.The leaves are also cooked and eaten as vegetable. The extract of the root bark is used to cure arthritis. Skin ointments prepared from the extract of this plant have noted effect in reducing swelling, and have antibacterial action. They are known to help in wound healing by enhancing the blood circulation in the wound region.
The plant derives its name from the Greek word 'premnon' which means tree stump, referring to the small size of the tree's trunk. This plant can also be trained into a bonsai.
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