[5] It grows in water or near it in rivers, streams, lakes, and swamps with a hyperhydrate (emergent aquatic) or possibly tenagophyte (submerged juvenile and terrestrial adult) growth pattern.

[4] It is widespread across tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, southern Asia,[4] northern Australia, the southeastern United States, the West Indies, and Latin America.

[9][10] Like its relative papyrus, priprioca fibers and rhizomes are also used in crafts,[5] since in addition to the exuberant perfume, the products are resistant to mold, indicating that the essential oil may have antifungal properties.

Among its main components are mustakone, α-pinene, β-pinene, caryophyllene oxide, trans-pinocarveol, myrtenal, myrtenol, ledol, cyperotundone, and α-cyperone, though no single element dominates.

According to local Amazonian medical tradition, priprioca may be harmful to pregnant women, adverse effects possibly including miscarriage.