This species has a wide range, is abundant and although there are threats in some regions, it can be considered Least Concern at a Pan-African scale.

A pantropical and subtropical species found in the Guineo-Congolian and Sudano-Zambezian regions. It is widespread in western Africa, common and widespread in Eastern Africa, and present in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

Globally, it is present in South and Central America, South East Asia and Australia.

It is abundant in Western Africa but rare in North-eastern Africa.

It grows in flooded rice fields or old rice fields, and in flooded or moist places in Western Africa. There are an increasing number of dams in the area which will help to increase the size of the population. In North Eastern Africa it can be found in Open moist places. Perennial and sometimes annual, with a short rhizome, generally growing in tuft. Found from sea level to 1,700 m asl.

Increasing frequency of droughts and expanding agricultural activities (mainly cereal crops) are the main threats. It is also more vulnerable to disturbances due to its restricted range and limited dispersal.

In Western Africa it ccurs in a protected area and no further measures are needed. Further research on population numbers and range is needed for North Eastern Africa.