[2] A. hispida's small size, especially when compared to its Angophora and Eucalyptus relatives, leads to it being known by the common name dwarf apple.

Another distinctive feature is the red bristly hairs that cover the branchlets, flower bases and new growth.

[3] Like other members of the genus Angophora and unlike other eucalypts, the leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem.

[7] Antonio José Cavanilles also described it the same year as Angophora cordifolia, having been collected somewhere near the shoreline in Port Jackson.

[5] The dwarf apple is found only in the Sydney Basin, as far south as O’Hares Creek off the Georges River, on dry sandstone soils low in nutrients.

[5] The dwarf apple regenerates from bushfire by resprouting from its woody base, known as a lignotuber, or epicormic shoots.

It can flower within a year of being burnt and plays an important role as a food source for nectar-eating insects after bushfire.

[13] This is a small tree suitable for larger gardens, its red new growth and profuse white flowers are attractive horticultural features.