In its natural state it is around 1 to 1.5m tall but when harvested tends to grow to about 0.5m.

Redbush seed is very precious because each legume bears only one seed which pops open and shoots out as soon as it is ripe.

For this reason the seed was extremely expensive before it was discovered that ants were its main harvesters.

Today some farmers still collect seed from ant hills, but more commonly by sifting the sand around the plants.