Broadly speaking, the L. flava species thrives in tropical climates. Its name is very popular as an ingredient in cooked dishes, especially in South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. In the Southeast Asian region, this plant can be found from Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, to Indonesia. Specifically in Indonesia, it reproduces rapidly in the areas of Sumatra and Java islands. Thanks to its wide distribution, the nicknames for the Genjer plant are quite diverse. Internationally, it is publicly known as Limnocharis, Sawah-flower Rush, or Sawah-lettuce. In Latin American countries, this plant, which communities often call an agricultural weed, is familiarly known as Velvetleaf, Yellow Bur-head, or Cebolla de Chucho.

Growing in river valleys, Genjer is also easily found in loose soil layers and mud layers submerged in shallow water. Additionally, it is found in rice fields submerged after harvest or among young rice plants. The ideal temperature and pH for the Genjer plant (Limnocharis flava) are a temperature of 26–28.5∘C and a pH of 6.44–7.92. Genjer can also grow in a temperature range of 10–38∘C.

• Root: The roots of this plant grow on the water surface with the roots penetrating into the mud, and they do not float. The primary root of this plant dies during later development or is succeeded by a number of roots that are roughly the same size and all emerge from the base of the stem. These roots are not from the original root bud, which are called adventitious roots, and are fibrous (radix adventicia) in shape.

• Stem: Long and hollow. The Genjer plant stem is 5–75 cm long, thick, triangular in shape with many air spaces, and has a lining at the base.

• Leaves: Belonging to the category of complete leaves, they have a tapering tip with a blunt base, entire margins, a length of 5–50 cm, a width of 4–25 cm, parallel venation, and are green in color.

• Flowers: Found in the leaf axils (flos lateralis or flos axillaries), compound, umbel-shaped (payung), consisting of 3–15 florets. The stigma head is round, the tip curves inward, and the color is yellow.

• Fruit: The fruit owned by the Genjer plant is an accessory fruit (buah semu), meaning the fruit grows by involving other tissues in its formation.

• Seeds: The seeds contained in the mature capsule or follicle are light seeds. The capsule, which bends toward the water, allows the seeds to be released.

• Propagation is done generatively (by seed) and vegetatively (with runners/anakan).

It treats anemia, heals wounds, is beneficial for teeth and bones, lowers blood sugar levels, and acts as an antibiotic.

Flavonoid and alkaloid compounds.