[2][4][5] Then, in 1987, the species was rediscovered when a population of up to 50 plants was found next to the Wailua River.

In the meantime other small populations were found, but several have since been destroyed in events such as flash floods.

[4] This Hawaiian lobelioid is a shrub growing up to 2 meters tall and appearing superficially palm-like.

[2] It grows in wet forest habitat in the understory of ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), ohe mauka (Tetraplasandra spp.

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