Hypoestes forskaolii is an annual or perennial herb that grows up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) tall with its stem and leaves being nearly glabrous.

Hypoestes forskaolii is widely distributed throughout Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Tropical Africa.

It produces symptoms of violent shivering, head-shaking, and fever when eaten.

He was the botanist on the ill-fated Danish expedition to Arabia Felix (present-day North Yemen) of 1761–1763.

The expedition's aims were wide-ranging, and from a botanical point of view, the trip was a great success.