This introduced invasive alien sp., originally from eastern Australia and New Cadedonia has become widely naturalised in eastern M'car and many other parts of the world. The correct name for this species has been the subject of some confusion largely because it has been regarded in the past as no more than a var. of other species, notably M. leucadendra (L.) L. and M. viridiflora Sol. ex Gaertn., and for this reason these species names have been incorrectly associated with the plant that occurs in Madagascar. The sp. has rarely been collected in M'car so it is difficult to assess the extent of its current distribution, although anecdotal information suggests that it is present from sea level to an altitude of about 600 m from the SE to the NE of M'car.

The plant is the source of the essential oil naiouli which is widely available in commerce and is credited with numerous beneficial effects.