It is a shrub or small tree, found only at high elevations on Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia's Sabah state.

[1] The species name buxifolium means 'box-leaved', because its small glossy leaves resemble those of boxwood (Buxus spp.).

The species' estimated area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are both 40 km2.

[1] The species' habitat is protected within Kinabalu Park, and neither its range nor its population are currently declining.

Because of its restricted range and habitat, it remains vulnerable to threats like landslides, drought, and the effects of climate change.