It was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 1996.

The oppositely arranged leaves have thin blades up to 8 centimeters long by 1.5 wide.

The inflorescence is a hairy, sticky cluster of flowers with small green or purple sepals and no petals.

[2] This plant is now limited to the Waianae Range on the island of Oahu.

[2] It is threatened by damage to the habitat by feral goats and pigs and by the invasion of introduced species of plants.