This very prostrate shrub grows 6-8 in. high and can quickly spread 12-15 ft. across and more. Its foliage is comprised of small medium green leaves, to 1 1/2 in. long, 1/8 in. wide with small teeth around leaf margins. Numerous white flowers occur in clusters along branches in early spring and intermittently throughout the year.

This species is native to hot and dry interior plains of southern Australia. In Southern California, it has proven to be a successful ornamental ground cover for slopes, medians and understory plantings. It tolerates heat and frost, and can be sustained with low amounts of supplemental water. It needs room to spread, but can easily be clipped along walkways and borders to fit the shape of planting spaces. Its best performance occurs for 5-6 years before some plants may die. The cultivar M. p. ‘Putah Creek’ has larger leaves that grow to 1 1/2 in. long.