This species produces flowers predominantly in spring, with small ovoid or oblong fruit (drupe) that are purple, red or golden.

They were eaten, sometimes whole, including the stone, by indigenous Australians such as the Wemba-Wemba.

It is a broad and low shrub, up to 2 metres (7 ft) high and 4 m wide.

[4] Nitre bush is found across all mainland states of Australia.

The plant's spread and germination in areas of heavy clay soil is assisted by the fruit's consumption by emus.