This species occurs in a wide area and is uncommon. Despite the lack of georeferenced data, the species is likely to have an area of occupancy smaller than 2,000 km². The species is inferred to have experienced declines in its distribution and the extent and quality of its habitat due to the population increase in the Cerrado and subsequent agricultural expansion. The species is here listed as Near Threatened.

This was first thought to be a narrow endemic to the Serra do Caparaó in Minas Gerais, Brazil. However, there are now records from Bahia and Pernambuco. The species grows from 700 to 2,200 m asl. There are not enough georeferenced records to accurately estimate extent of occurrence or area of occupancy but the area of occupancy is very likely to be less than 2,000 km².

This is a rare species.

This species grows in upland rocky habitats.

The main threat to this species is habitat loss due to small holder agriculture, livestock farming and extensive cacao plantations. There has been large-scale conversion of the habitat. During the 1950s there was a large human population increase in the region, leading to intense agricultural expansion.

There are no uses recorded for this species.

The species occurs in Caparaó National Park.