Commelin diffusa is an annual herb, though it may be perennial here in Rwanda. It spread diffusely, creeping along the ground, branching heavily and  rooting at the nodes, obtaining lenth stem up to 1 m. Pubescence on the stem is variable and ranges from glabrous to hispidulous, which can occur either in line   or throughout.  The leaf blade are relatively variable ranging from lanceolate to ovate with proximal leaves tending to more oblong, They measure  3.12 cm in lengh by 0.8 to 3 cm im width. The leaf apex is acute to acuminate. The leaf surface  can be either glabrous or hispid ( i.e. bristly). The leaves are alternate, subsessile  with a leaf sheath striped with red and covered with hispid pubescence. The flower are arranged into cincinni or scorpioid cymes.

Within China, Commelina diffusa is used as a medicinal herb with februfugal and diuretic effects. A dye is also obtained  from the juice  of the petals for ues in painting. In Hawai, Commelina ddiffusa  was used to aid with deep cut.

From commelina diffusa a tisane is made to treat high blood pressure and bladder infection. A suppository of the stem lubricated with castor oil (Ricinus communis) is used infants move their bowls.