The plant is native to the tropical woodlands of North, Central and South America, especially in Atlantic Forest vegetation in Brazil.

Of the family Commelinaceae, it is cultivated for its handsome spotted stems and large shiny foliage which is held horizontally, surmounted by striking blue flowers.

[2] D. thyrsiflora was first grown in England in 1822, and is recorded from Sir William MacArthur's catalogue in 1857 of plants he grew in Camden southwest of Sydney.

[4] The Latin specific epithet thyrsiflora means "with flower clusters resembling thyme".

[5] This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.