It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known from fewer than 1000 individuals on the islands of Kauai and Oahu.

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

[3] This shrub only grows in moist and wet forest habitat.

[1] As of 2003 there were five occurrences of the plant on Oahu for a total of 22 or 23 individuals in the Waianae and Koolau Mountains.

[4] The plants' habitat is threatened by feral ungulates including wild boars.