Threatened species listed as vulnerable in both the TSC Act and the EPBC Act.

A low shrub that grows in clumps of single or multiple stems. Flowers face downwards and usually have 4 petals which range from white to pink to dark purple in colour. They are borne singly or in twos along the stem. Stems are 30 to 60 cm long, usually leafless with 2 to 3 narrow wings that give them an angular appearance. Plants are usually sprawling and can be difficult to detect amongst other vegetation when not flowering. It may be readily distinguished from other Tetratheca species with which it grows by its distinct winged stem and reduced leaves.

Confined to the northern portion of the Sydney Basin bioregion and the southern portion of the North Coast bioregion in the local government areas of Wyong, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Great Lakes and Cessnock.

It is usually found in low open forest/woodland with a mixed shrub understorey and grassy groundcover. However, it has also been recorded in heathland and moist forest.

The majority of populations occur on low nutrient soils associated with the Awaba Soil Landscape.

While the species has a preference for cooler southerly aspects, it has been found on slopes with a variety of aspects.

It generally prefers well-drained sites and occurs on ridges, although it has also been found on upper slopes, mid-slopes and occasionally in gullies.

It usually spreads via underground stems which can be up to 50 cm long. Consequently, individual plants may be difficult to identify. It also reproduces sexually but this requires insect pollination.

Large populations of this species are particularly important.

This species is found in the following catchment management authority region:

Hunter/Central Rivers

Threats include habitat loss due to clearing for urban development and habitat degradation resulting from frequent fire, weed invasion and stormwater runoff.