It is endemic to the island of Kauai, where it is in rapid decline.

[2] It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.

[3] This Hawaiian lobelioid is a shrub which can exceed three meters in height.

By 2006 the population was in poor shape, with a single mature plant and a few juveniles remaining.

[2] The species has become rare because of habitat degradation by feral pigs, exotic plant species, and damage to plants caused by rats and slugs.