This is a perennial, herbaceous species native to Central and South America, where it grows in wet, riparian or marshy locations.

It develops a very compact, carpet-like growth, reaching heights of 10 to 20 cm and widths of 5 to 15 cm, gradually forming dense colonies due to the rooting of its creeping stems.

The lush foliage consists of numerous broad, shield-shaped leaves with a vibrant green color, slightly serrated margins, and an exceptionally glossy, fleshy texture, which are borne on short stalks or float on the water's surface.

Flowering occurs from May to June, with the appearance of tiny green-purple flowers in dense inflorescences that are hidden by the lush foliage.