Sinocrassula indica is a succulent, biennial plant growing from a fibrous rootstock; it produce a rosette of leaves in its first year and then an erect flowering stem 5 - 60cm tall in its second year of growth.
The plant has been used as a folk medicine for the treatment of hepatitis and otitis medium in China. It has been shown to be an effective treatment for hyperglycaemia, promoting glucose metabolism and thus lowering blood sugar levels probably by improving the effectiveness of naturally produced insulin in the body. When consumed regularly, the plant is also believed to have a positive effect upon the whole body and to increase longevity. Foliage of the plant is a deep, burgundy red colour, with shades of purple and blue. It has a white, powdery coating which gives the plant a metallic appearance. Colours darken in the cooler months. The flowers are small, star shaped pink to red in colour.
