They are widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical lands around the Indian Ocean, and some adjacent regions.

Therein, it is classified in the subtribe Justiciinae of tribe Ruellieae, making it a relative of such American genera as the mosaic plants (Fittonia), water-willows (Justicia) and wrightworts (Carlowrightia).

[1] Many of these herbaceous to small shrubby plants of the undergrowth have boldly patterned leaves, typically featuring red colors.

Most well-known among these are H. phyllostachya of Madagascar and its cultivars, commonly called polka dot plant.

Hypoestes species accepted by the Plants of the World Online as of June 2021:[2]