It usually grows in woodland or forest dominated by jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) or marri (Corymbia calophylla) within 50 km (30 mi) of the coast.

The flower is composed of four glabrous or slightly hairy tepals 8–12.5 mm (0.3–0.5 in) long, which are fused at the base but with the tips rolled back.

The central style is surrounded by four greenish-yellow anthers which are also joined at the base with the tips rolled back, so that it resembles a cross when viewed end-on.

[4][5] Persoonia elliptica was first formally described in 1810 by Robert Brown from a specimen collected "on the side of a rocky hill near Lewin's Land" (Cape Leeuwin).

[10] Snottygobble usually grows as an understorey shrub in forest dominated by jarrah or marri, often with Persoonia longifolia from which it is distinguished by its single trunk, large leaves with a narrow base and compact grey bark.