It has grey and pale brown bark that is shed in short ribbons.

[7] Black marlock is found on undulating, low ridges mostly along the south coast between Cape Riche and the Fitzgerald River National Park, and inland as far as Ravensthorpe.

[2][3][4] The species is associated with the western mallee subgroup which is characterised by several eucalypts including E. oleosa, E. moderata, E. incrassata, E. foecunda, E. eremophila and E. uncinata.

The understorey is predominantly shrubby with species of Melaleuca and Acacia along with the occasional Triodia.

[8] This mallee is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.