Maile has glossy dark green leaves and tiny fragrant white to yellow flowers. It is prized for lei making because of the pleasant fragrance of the bark and leaves. It can grow at low elevations but thrives at higher elevations with cooler temperatures in mesic forests. Soak seeds before planting to enhance germination. They do not like to be disturbed so direct sow, or plant out once they develop 1-2 sets of true leaves.