It is a perennial, erect sprawling or scandent, shrub. The leaves are broadly ovate, opposite, and simple and have a strong odour when crushed. L. camara has small tubular-shaped flowers, which each have four petals and are arranged in clusters in terminal areas stems. Flowers come in many different colours, including red, yellow, white, pink and orange. The flower has a tutti frutti smell with a peppery undertone. 

It is native to the American tropics