It was formerly the only species in the monotypic genus Ascoglossum, abbreviated Ascgm in the horticultural trade.

It is endemic to Dinagat Island in the southern Philippines and is critically endangered by collection as an ornamental plant and habitat loss.

Finally, based on research published by Alexander Kocyan & Andre Schuiteman, its name was changed to Renanthera caloptera.

[4] The Royal Horticultural Society uses Renanthera caloptera for hybrid registration purposes.

One primary hybrid was originated and registered by A.Kolopaking in 1989 as Renanthoglossum Nina Rach (Ascoglossum purpureum × Renanthera monachica).