Indicator value
Royal poverty bush is not recognised as having any indicator value.
Forage value
Livestock sometimes browse the maturing flowers at the close of winter.
Habitat
Stony uplands, alkaline soils
General description
Royal poverty bush is a flat-topped and spreading shrub that can grow to 1–1.5m, depending on the soil association. The plant structure is coarse and stiff with branches that appear rough because of the relic bases of old leaves. The leaves are olive or dark green, wedge-shaped and have a blunt tip. The individual leaf size varies but can be up to about 14mm wide. The leaf surface is covered with fine, very short hairs. The flowers are deep purple or violet and the sepals below the flower can be yellow, reddened or mauve-brown. The sepals persist and become enlarged after the flowers fall.