It grows wild in yards and fields up to an altitude of approximately 1,000 m above sea level. It is found in Africa, Malaysia, Southern China, the Philippines, Southern Taiwan, and Indonesia. In Indonesia, its distribution is found in the areas of Java and Madura. It is often planted in yards as an ornamental plant.

It is known as a plant that does not require excessive water. This plant prefers soil that is relatively dry rather than moist. Maintenance is easy and does not take long because this species is highly suitable for planting in tropical and equatorial climates like our country, and it can grow up to 10 meters in height.

• Size (Ukuran) Erect herb, height 0.5–2 m.

• Stem (Batang) Round shape with a woody base, noded (segmented), reddish-purple color, and branched.

• Leaves (Daun) Simple (single), red, stalked (petiolate), opposite arrangement. The leaf blade is round shape, the tip is split (emarginate or notched), the margin is entire, the base is tapering, pinnate venation, the upper side is shiny, with short hairs. Length is 2–8 cm, width is 1–5 cm, and the leaf stalk is 1–6 cm long.

• Flower (Bunga) Compound inflorescence, spike shape (bulir), in the leaf axils, 0.75–10 cm long, bisexual (two sexes). The stamen stalks are fused at the base, cup-shaped. Two anther heads. The pistil stalk is short and small, the stigma head is 1, with 2 lobes. Flower perianth is 5, approximately 2 mm long, with fine, white hairs.

• Fruit (Buah) Flat and black.

• Seed (Biji) Small with a shiny black color.

• Root (Akar) Taproot and reddish-purple color.

• Propagation is done vegetatively (cuttings). Seedlings can also be grown using seeds.

• Sambang Colok leaves are commonly used in traditional medicine as a remedy for irregular menstruation, relieving menstrual pain, improving poor urination, gonorrhea, anemia (low blood), leukorrhea (vaginal discharge), worm infections, and uterine inflammation.

The content found in Sambang Colok leaves includes alkaloid compounds, essential oils, and flavonoids.