Small tree to c. 10 m high (larger in cultivation). Bark peeling in thin scaly strips, dark reddish brown. Trunk often short with main branches arising near the ground and tending to form a dense crown. Shoots green, ribbed. Lvs with short yellowish green petiole, radial on erect shoots, ± 2-ranked on horizontal shoots. Lamina 1.2-2.5 cm × 1.5-2 mm, sometimes smaller in first lvs of season, dark green, ± shining above, with 2 broad pale green stomatal bands beneath, revolute; midrib raised on both sides; apex acute or mucronate. Fr. (with aril) 10-15 × 8-11 mm, oblong, crimson; flesh viscid. Seed 5.5-7 mm long, ovoid-ellipsoid, angled, greenish brown.