The Spiral Flag originates from tropical America (Northern South America to Mexico). This plant often grows as an ornamental plant, which also has benefits as a medicinal plant, especially in tropical regions worldwide. In the traditional medicine of the West Indies (Dominican Republic), a herbal tea made from its leaves is commonly used to treat diabetes.

Grows well in warm regions at an altitude up to 1,000 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). It prefers moist and shaded areas. This plant is commonly found in rainforests and lowland secondary forests.

• Root: Fibrous root, white or dirty yellow color.

• Stem: Highly succulent (watery), easily broken, rough on the outside and smooth and shiny on the inside. The stem is yellowish-brown, covered by leaf sheaths.

• Leaves: Simple (single), green color, narrow elliptic shape, arranged spirally around the stem. The underside of the leaf is softly hairy, the upper surface is grooved.

• Flower: Red color, corolla is yellow-pink. The corolla is tube-shaped. The inflorescence is a large spike (bulir), located at the tip of the stem.

• Fruit: Elliptic capsule, 10–12 mm long.

• Seed: Hard, small, ± 2 mm in diameter, black color.

• Propagation: Uses seeds, cuttings, separation of offsets/suckers, and bulbils.

• Growth: Sow seeds in a place exposed to direct sunlight. Seeds sprout in 5–19 days. The first harvest begins 35 days to 1 year after planting, depending on the plant part.

Treats diabetes, hypertension, cancer, fever, has diuretic (promotes urine flow), antiseptic, anthelmintic (deworming), snake venom antidote, and cathartic (purgative/laxative) activity.

Saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, amino acids, glycosides, and steroids.