The Naio is a highly variable species. Naio papa literally means "flat naio" and is the same species as the Naio shrub or tree but is instead a crawling ground cover. This variety has purplish stem tips and the leaves are glossy and green are narrow. This bushy form is more of a groundcover that grows up to a foot in height. The tiny white flower has a pink center and clusters form where the leaf meets the stem.

A low maintenance ground cover, it is able to survive harsh climates and salt. Many plants that are naturally found in coastal or dry environments prefer a good soaking with long intervals of no water to let the soil dry out. It is also suitable for a xeriscape or rock garden.