Perennial, with woody underground stems up to 35cm. Leaves in tufts, hairy, lower leaves larger; purplish or pink to bluish flowers in dense racemes, central veins hairy; strongly scented - on the 'spicy side of floral'.

Very dependent on fire.

Greek: ekhinos = hedgehog; stachys = ear of corn: referring to the shape and detail of flowerheads.

After: C. F. Ecklon (1795-1869), Danish botanist and pharmacist, one of the early botanical explorers of the Cape.