The distribution of the species is limited in both Hong Kong and Mainland China.

A few more wild populations were found in Ma On Shan and also in Guangdong[2](including Shenzhen[3]).

[4] It was named in honour of the then Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Alexander Grantham.

[5] Tai Mo Shan Montane Scrub Forest in the upper Shing Mun Valley was assigned as a Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1975 as the forest supports this rare species and other species, Camellia waldenae, Amentotaxus argotaenia and many species of orchids.

In Hong Kong, it is a protected species under Forestry Regulations Cap.