In exposed situations, such as cliffs, it assumes a prostrate habit, while in more sheltered areas it can grow as a small tree up to 8 metres in height.

[6] It has thick and very glossy leaves which vary considerably in size, depending on exposure to the elements.

[4] Male flowers have a funnel shaped corolla that is 5 mm long, with lobes equal to the tube.

Female flowers have a short calyx, and a tubular corolla 3 mm long, with lobes shorter than the tube.

[3] The species has been popular in coastal gardens due to its resistance to salt spray.