Erect, sparsely branched, non-sticky perennial, up to 60cm, with 4-angled stems. Leaves in pairs, erect, narrow to oval; bears pink flowers on stalks up to 10cm long, with a tube 9-14mm long and a calyx that is lobed nearly to the base; style flexed downwards, stigma truncate; fruits are pointed.

In Greek mythology Chiron was known as the wisest of all centaurs, famous for his knowledge of plants, medicine and surgery; hence common name 'Centaury' for many of the Chironia species