Carmichaelia appressa or Kaitorete prostrate broom is endemic to Banks Peninsula, and is only found on Kaitorete Spit. It is found growing on flat, windswept, stony and sandy ground at sea-level.There are some intermediate forms on the adjacent south coast of Banks Peninsula. It is a more or less prostrate shrub, often forming patches up to 3m in diameter that are completely flattened against the ground Although it can be variable and often taller growing, and linked by intermediate forms to the erect bushy forms of common native broom. It has small white flowers with purple markings from October to December.