‘A‘ali‘i is a shrub widely distributed across many habitats in the Hawaiian Islands. The species is extremely variable (polymorphic). It grows as a small tree in the forest, as a low or tall shrub at low and high elevations, and on coastal dunes. The look of the plants can be quite variable betweeen the Islands. For example, the shiney coat on the leaves is a typical characteristic of this plant, but the plants at Koke‘e on Kaua‘i seems to lack this "oily" look.

The capsules (fruits) vary in color from creme to green to shades of orange and red and are used in making leis. The red ones are a source of red dye. The wood is strong and used for making small tools.