Found only in Queensland and the Northern Territory in rainforests and wet eucalyptus forests, the natural range of distribution is from near Rockhampton to Cape York.

The leaf stems also vary in size, from 5 to 20 cm long.

A good feature for identification is the glaucous under-leaf colour.

Like many of the Australian Cordyline plants, the dark red berries are another appealing ornamental feature.

Being a tropical plant, it is not suited to frost and cold winds.