Ranging in heights of one to thirty feet, this shrub to tree is found growing at elevations up to 8,000 feet and wind-swept open country. Leaves are elongated, blunt or pointed, about one to four inches by .25 to one inch.
Flowers are small, appear in clusters at branch tips or leaf axils.
Sometimes clusters of the tiny flowers are used because they have a very subtle talcum powder fragrance. The seed capsules were strung one by one or the clusters of fruits and flowers were braded or tied in a central cord of ferns, dried banana skin, ti leaves or other such materials. The finished lei was papery in texture and weight.