[3] This Hawaiian lobelioid is a shrub growing up to 1.5 meters tall.

The inflorescence bears purple-striped white or solid purple flowers.

[1] It grows in wet forest habitat in the understory of ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha).

[5] The elliptic leaves are from 12 to 28 inches long, with toothed margins.

[4] The habitat is threatened with degradation and destruction by a number of forces, especially feral pigs and exotic plant species such as fireweed and Koster's curse (Clidemia hirta).