The species is endemic to Cape Verde.

Its local name is erva-cidreira,[3][4] or cidreirinha.

[5] In traditional medicine, it is used as an infusion for the treatment of indigestion, diarrhea,[4] cough and to stimulate labour.

[5] Micromeria forbesii occurs on the islands of Santo Antão, São Nicolau, Santiago, Fogo and Brava.

[2] It grows in semi-arid, sub-humid and humid zones, mainly between 800 and 1,600 metres elevation.