It is an erect annual plant that grows from 5 to 21 cm tall.

This species lacks a scape but has cymose inflorescences that are 5–9 cm long.

S. javanicum is found in Java, east Sumba island, and from eastern New Guinea.

Its typical habitats are open boggy depressions and wet grassy fields at 20 to 500 metres above sea level.

S. javanicum is most closely related to S. cordifolium, which has larger leaves, sepals, capsules, and seeds.