These mountains are of volcanic origin, Upper Cretaceous, and igneous rocks cover most of the area. Basalt is the parent rock throughout the area. Topography is rough and highly dissected by intermittent streams, however, the elfin forest is found on more rounded mountain tops. The vegetation is an evergreen montane forest type where only a single strata is present. Trees are stocky, usually 5 to 8 m in height, and form a dense thicket.
Roots form a superficial mat and aerial and adventitious roots are common.
Bromeliads are found on the forest floor rather than in the tops of trees. Spore dissemination is by wind. No information is available concerning the seed biology of this species. Only 10 plants are known from Monte Guilarte and although there were no evident signs of stress or disease, no young plants were observed. Epiphytes, ferns, orchids, liverworts, and mosses are abundant.