A native of the arid and semi-arid inland of Australia, it prefers light to heavy soils in an open, sunny position. It is drought and frost tolerant.

An evergreen shrub to small tree growing to a height of 4 metres (13ft) with a spread of 3 metres (10ft). The stem is erect, slender and smooth, with weeping branches and a lightly textured crown; the leaves are 10cm (4in) long, entire, alternate, leathery and narrow with a hooked point; the flowers are pale yellow, 5 petalled and bell-shaped, occurring in short, terminal clusters in spring; the fruit are marble-sized, orange berries which split to eject the seeds which are covered in a bright red, sticky gel.

The Aboriginal people used parts of this plant to treat pain or cramps.