The entire world natural population of the tree is confined to a small rocky island and two nearby islets, and thus is vulnerable to destruction by fire or other unforeseen events.

Elingamita johnsonii grows as a shrub or small tree in pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) forest and coastal scrub on West island.

Discovered in 1950, Elingamita johnsonii takes its name from the steamer Elingamite, which was wrecked on West Island in 1902.

The tiny, pale yellow to pink flowers appear in terminal panicles between February and May, and sometimes also between August and November.

In gardens, Elingamita johnsonii makes an excellent specimen tree for frost-free areas.