The mountain devil gets its name from the beaked and two-horned, woody fruit which resembles a little devil. They can be quite ornamental and have been used in arts and crafts.
The spiky leaves provide good protection for small native birds. This relationship is mutually beneficial as the plant relies on birds to pollinate its flowers, which in turn provide nectar year-round. Although the flowers are small and hidden amongst the leaves, they are brightly coloured.
It has been popular in cultivation and will adapt to a wide range of soils and conditions as long as the soil is free-draining. Naturally regenerating after fires, the plant will respond well to pruning or coppicing, providing a good informal hedge and traffic control because of its spiky nature.