[4][5] It grows exclusively in shallow, temporary pools on granite outcrops, often with only 2 cm of soil.

The number of sites has dropped from 18 following its discovery due to habitat destruction caused by quarrying, trash dumping and trampling.

New leaves quickly sprout after fall and winter rains, but during the dry summer months these typically shrivel.

[7] Isoetes melanospora is a small plant growing in mud or shallow water but becoming terrestrial as the ground dries.

Leaves are up to 7 cm (2.8 inches) long, spirally arranged, tapering to the tip.