Though now fewer in number, it once grew widely in semi-arid Australia.
It can propagate through coppice re-sprouting from lignotubers. This enables it to withstand fire, drought and animals.
Some mallees have leaves which provide premium eucalyptus oil.
Mallee roots provide good fuel for fires, e.g. in fireplaces.
Also the Mallee, an area of north-west Victoria associated with this plant.