As it ages the stem becomes increasingly woody and the plant eventually develops a growth form more typical of a tree.

[1][2] The species epithet, viminalis, is a Latin adjective describing the plant as having long flexible shoots suitable for basket work.

Local people cut chunks out of the bark or roots to boil up and make an infusion to treat a variety of skin ailments as well as bruises and rheumatism.

Trees with large telltale oval or oblong scars in the bark are often found in the local bush.

[8] The Walmajarri people of Paruku Indigenous Protected Area call this tree Walakarri,[9]