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This species is found only in India and Sri Lanka. It found in open grasslands of the dry lowlands.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

The Common Sopubia is a species, which has an interesting life cycle. It is commonly referred to as a root parasite. It has the ability to penetrate the roots of another plant and draw all the water and nutrients from its host. The root like structure that performs this function for the plant is referred to as haustoria. The microscopic haustoria are able to penetrate the host plant’s cell wall and siphon nutrients from the space between the cell wall and plasma membrane. Nectar foraging insects such as the Indian Honey Bee, Carpenter Bee and soil-nesting bees are said to visit these flowers in the morning hours to feed on the nectar and pollinate the flowers.

The juice from this plant is used in Ayurveda and Sidha medicine to treat sores.  

In Wilpattu I have observed the flowers of this species after the rains in January and February between Kalagedi Bokkuwa and Maradanmaduwa.