Published in Joannis J. de, 1932b, Lépidoptères Hétérocères des Mascareignes. vol issue pages 427–456; pl. 23
The native range of this species is Tropical & Subtropical America. It is an annual or subshrub and grows primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome. It is used as animal food, a poison and a medicine, has environmental uses and social uses and for food.