A dense, bushy, rounded, spreading shrub (2-4 m), native to SW Australia. Flowers in summer. Rainfall 200 - 800 mm on shallow calcareous soils. Tolerant of saline and waterlogged soils.
It has the ability to withstand wind and salt spray and is useful in soil stabilisation. It has fire retardant properties.
In South Africa the tree was used to stabilise sand dunes and is now spreading. It has become a popular firewood which is dense and of a high quality. Goats and antelopes browse the phyl-lodes and the seeds are eaten by birds, primates, and rodents.