They are surrounded by 2 cylindrical bracteoles (small modified leaves) accrescent (increasing in size) when in fruit.

[4] The larva of Brephidium metophis, (the tinktinkie blue), a butterfly feed on the plant.

[5][6] The bush Karoo rat (Otomys unisulcatus), builds its nests, dome-shaped stick shelters or lodges, using the plant stems of Exomis.

[2] arid areas[13] The shrub can be found growing on low-lying sandy areas with other plants such as; Zygophyllum cordiflorum, Z. flexuosum, Z. morgsana, Atriplex semibaccata, Ruschia geminiflora, Ehrharta calycina, Muraltia dumosa, Searsia glauca, Limonium perigrinum, Restio oleocharis and Euclea racemosa.

[7] Exomis microphylla is known as 'unvenyathi' and used as a folk medicine in Alice, South Africa, a leaf decoction is used in a remedy for endometritis and vaginitis.

[8][14][15] The Cape Khoi people used the leaf decoctions with milk to remedy for epilepsy, winds, cramps and also convulsions in infants.