Individuals form cushions and mats that may vary in size from a few centimetres to several metres in diameter and up to 60 cm in height.

It is a keystone species dominating Macquarie's feldmark habitat, in which it is the only vascular plant, forming a major structural component of the vegetation.

The feldmark community covers about half the island in the most wind-exposed areas of the plateau some 200–400 m above sea level.

The plant flowers from December to February and fruits from January to April.

[3] Azorella macquariensis has suffered a catastrophic decline due to dieback from unknown causes, first noticed in December 2008, and is considered to be endangered.