It is most closely related to D. purpurascens, but differs by several characteristics including height and petiole length.

[2] The type specimens were collected by Charles von Hügel in the Swan River region in 1833.

Several of these forms and varieties were eventually described as subspecies, which were then later elevated to species rank upon further examination.

Then in 1982 N. G. Marchant described several subspecies: Allen Lowrie restored or elevated to species rank to D. purpurascens, D. humilis, and D. rupicola, respectively.

When publishing the elevation of subspecies monticola to species rank, Lowrie did not include a correct page citation for the basionym, which under Article 33.4 of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature made the new combined name invalid.