It is now only found in the Waianae Mountains, and it is believed to be extirpated from the Koʻolau Range, where it once occurred.

[2] This plant was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 1996.

[1] This Hawaiian lobelioid is a shrub which grows up to 3 meters tall and bears white or greenish flowers.

[1] Other plants in the forests include ohia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) and koa (Acacia koa), which dominate the canopy, and Ēlama (Diospyros hillebrandii), papala kepau (Pisonia spp.

[2] Threats to this rare species and its ecosystem include feral goats and pigs.