It has smooth grey, orange, green or yellow bark that is shed in long ribbons.

However, it is possible that two other specimens are actually the result of a split in the original rootstock, and based on their spread of 26m would be estimated at 13,000 years old, which if correct would make it the oldest single tree known to be alive on earth.

The species was discovered by "Ms. R. Jean, a landholder from near Braidwood" who first brought specimens to the Australian National Botanic Gardens in August 1985.

[6][8] The specific epithet (recurva) is a Latin word meaning "curved backwards", referring to the conspicuously recurved leaves of this mallee.

The main threat to the species is visitation pressure, including collection of plant material, soil compaction and damage by vehicles.