This plant is native to tropical South America and is now widely cultivated and naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. It is a fast-growing perennial herb or subshrub that thrives in full sun and moist soils, often used in urban landscaping or grown as a decorative border plant in public parks and private gardens. The flowers appear as small white globular heads atop long, slender stems that extend above the foliage, which ranges from green to rich burgundy in color. It is used ornamentally for its striking leaf coloration and ability to form ground-covering masses. In some areas, it is also used in traditional medicine, including in Central and South America, where it is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is applied topically or taken in teas. The plant spreads by both seed and stem cuttings and is known for its adaptability to a variety of soil conditions. Photographed in Panama.