It is native to the Auckland and Campbell Islands in the subantarctic regions of the South Pacific.

Anisotome latifolia is a large and robust perennial herb, growing up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in height.

[1] The plant is endemic to New Zealand's subantarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands, where it is a striking component of the megaherb community.

It occurs from the coast up to the tops of the island ranges on peaty ground among tussocks and other megaherbs, though more rarely under low forest.

[1] The plant is easy to grow from fresh seed in deep, peaty, permanently moist soil, though it does not tolerate hot weather.