The plant has a short, stout, creeping stem carrying up to 12, curved, fleshy, deeply channeled, keeled, retuse apically leaves and blooms on an axillary pendant to 60 cm (24 in) long, racemose, densely flowered, cylindrical inflorescence that occurs in the winter and early spring.

It can be found in Bhutan, Cambodia, China (Guizhou, Yunnan), India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

[5]: 20 The plant requires regular watering and applications of fertilizer throughout the year, although it will die if the leaves are wet frequently.

[7]: 101 The species is the state flower of Assam, where it is popularly known as kopou phool (Assamese: কপৌ ফুল), and is an integral part of a Bihu dancer's attire.

[8] The plant is considered to be a symbol of love, fertility and merriment, and is popular in Assamese wedding ceremonies.