The ruil grows between 37º 05' and 37º 50' south latitude, in the Chilean Coast Range (Cordillera de la Costa) in Talca and Cauquenes provinces of Maule Region.

[5] In its natural habitat N. alessandrii forms a symbiotic relationship with the ectomycorrhizal fungus Cenococcum geophilum, which helps the trees survive drought stress.

These enclaves are surrounded by commercial plantations of Pinus radiata (an introduced species), and agricultural croplands and livestock for survival, hindering the expansion of its habitat.

The 2017 Chile wildfires decreased the species' area of occupancy by 45%, and devastated the population at Piedra del Montaña.

[3] Los Ruiles National Reserve, which consists of two separate areas totaling 45 ha, was created to protect one of the species' largest remaining forest habitats.