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. The vegetation of the Monte Guilarte site appears to be an ecotone between the elfin and palm forests. Although the elfin forests are primarily used as wildlife refuges and for watershed protection and no wood is harvested from these areas, they are crossed by roads and utilized as sites for the construction of radio, TV, and communication towers.