This tree-protea grows along forest margins and can reach from 3 to 12m in height. Because it is found in relic patches of once extensive forests the theory is that it thrives as a pioneer in the successional stages from tall fynbos to evergreen forest. It is thus used successfully to protect the establishment of indigenous forest trees in open unprotected ground. The small oblong inflorescences have pink or cream bracts. The pollen presenters are capitate, their tiny heads a conspicuous and excellent diagnostic characteristic of the species.