An aromatic plant up to 50cm. The dark green leaves are oblong to lance-shaped with the margins rolled under. Showy white to pink flowers glisten in the sunlight, hence the common names 'China flower' and ' Porseleinblom'. The flowers are usually solitary and reddish on the reverse; the 5 stamens are each tipped with a conspicuous gland.

Greek : aden = gland; - aner = a man: referring to the gland-bearing anthers.