[2][6] A. glandulosus can be distinguished from Cenarrhenes nitida by a tendency for leaves to occur in clusters at the ends of branches.

[6][3][2] Cenarrhenes nitida can also be distinguished by the absence of glands at leaf tips and an unpleasant foetid odour when leaves are crushed.

[3][5] Anopterus glandulosus is a slow-growing shrub to small tree, which occurs in wet sclerophyll forest and rainforests, in the south and west of Tasmania at elevations below 1200 m.[2] A. glandulosus prefers cool, moist conditions in partly shaded conditions with well-drained soils, from loamy to sandy and highly organic soils.

[5] The species was listed as not threatened and present in state reserves by the National Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania in 1997, and remains widespread and non-threatened.

[2][3] Successful cultivation can be achieved by germination of fresh seed or propagation from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in March or April.

[2] This species tolerates full sun to shade and is easily grown in a semi-protected environment, such as against a wall or fence, and grows particularly well as a container plant.

[3][4] It requires ample water in summer and benefits from application of non-phosphate based organic fertilisers along with manure and mulch.