It is endemic to Hawaii where it is known only from the Wahiawa Mountains on the island of Kauai.

[2][3] It was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 1991.

[1] Like other Dubautia this plant is called na`ena`e.

[5] It grows in wet rainforest habitat near streams.

This plant is a shrub growing up to 3 metres (9 ft 10 in) tall by 3 metres (9 ft 10 in) wide, with smooth, oppositely arranged leaves.