Small prickly shrub or small tree with flaky bark. Bears masses of hard, oval pointed leaves, 5-20mm long by 1-8mm wide. Flowers to 25mm wide, white or pinkish red-centred, through spring and summer. Fruit is a dry 5-7mm wide capsule. Early successional species, able to grow in harsh soils. Withstands long droughts and frost once established.