This plant is an attractive, fast-growing, spreading, herbaceous groundcover that grows from 300 mm to 600 mm in height up to 1 m if supported The stems root easily at the nodes. The leaves are simple and opposite. The fruit is an explosive capsule which starts out green in colour but dries to brown after opening.
Flowers are produced over a long period and are followed by capsules with brown seeds. It is semi-hardy, and young plants require protection in areas of heavy frost. In tropical areas, it can grow rampantly.
