Pohinahina is a low mat-forming shrub that grows 1-3 feet in height. It has oval-shaped silvery green leaves that have a pleasent scent when crushed. The lavendar flowers occur in clusters at tip of the branches. The round fruit is reddish to black in color.

Pohinahina grows well in sandy coastal areas and will cover moderate slopes and rocky areas. It will also grow in mountain areas where there is full sun and good drainage. Pohinahina is one of the easier native plants to cultivate and requires little weeding once the plant is established. It is also a good sand stabilizer.

The early Hawaiins used Pohinahina medicinally. The leaves, which added a spicy fragrance, and the flowers were used for lei.