The island lost much of its native habitat due to invasive animals and plants, beginning with goats introduced in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers.

Kew Gardens, whose director at the time was Hooker's father, helped ship trees to Ascension Island beginning in 1850.

[5] A. ascensionis was rediscovered during a routine plant survey being performed by a team from the Ascension Island Government's Conservation Department.

Because it was found growing in dry rock, on a very steep ridge, the four plants had to be watered and kept alive long enough to produce spores.

After harvesting, the spores were quickly airlifted to Kew Gardens, where they were placed in a sterile environment to produce sporelings.