Shrub. Leaves alternate to pseudo-opposite, lanceolate, margin entire. The entire plant, except corolla limb, densely glandular, covered with an aromatic, varnish-like, glutinous resin. Inflorescences branched, ebracteose, few-flowered. Calyx tubulose, lobed to 1/3rd to 1/4th; corolla whitish to violet-rose, lobes triangular; aestivation apert-duplicative. Anthers long protracted, compressed apically, closing the corolla tube. Style long, stigmatic head long protracted. Fruit dry, separating into one-seeded, apical winged, mericarpids. Embryo straight.
2n = 10.
Ixorhea was resolved as sister to a clade formed by the genera Myriopus and Euploca. However, this relationship is not well-supported and its placement within the family Heliotropiaceae remains unclear.
Endemic to northwestern Argentina (provinces Salta and Tucumán).