[6][7] Although this species was once widespread, it is now mostly restricted to off-shore rock stacks and islets, such as Mana Island.

Additionally the species is susceptible to browsing by livestock, rodents, snails, and insect herbivores such as aphids, leaf miners, the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), and the small cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae).

[8][9] During his voyages of exploration James Cook collected a number of plant species at various locations which were used to help ward off scurvy amongst his crew.

[10] Historian John Cawte Beaglehole believed that "scurvy grass" in this case referred to Lepidium oleraceum.

[10] Specimens of the plant were collected by botanists Johann and Georg Forster on Cook's second voyage.