The leaves are 25 cm (9.8 in) long and become burgundy-violet if exposed to more prolonged sunlight (an example of "sun-stressing").

[3][4] Callisia fragrans, also called golden tendril is endemic to Mexico, and naturalized in the West Indies, scattered locations in the United States, and a few other places.

[6] However, it can be also found growing outdoors in warmer climates in moist, fertile soil.

In Eastern Europe, its leaves are used for the treatment of various skin diseases, burns and joint disorders. An ethanol leaf extract (tincture) has been shown to effectively inhibit the infection of Vero cells by HSV-1, HSV-2 and an ACV-resistant strain of the latter, in vitro.

Direct interaction with the viruses, and the blocking of their access to l host cells, seems to be involved.