Medium-sized or large tree; bark persistent on lower part of trunk, smooth and grey on upper trunk and main branches. Juvenile lvs opposite at first, petiolate, ovate to orbicular, undulate; base broad and symmetric. Adult lvs with petiole 1–2 cm long; lamina 6–15 × 1.3–4.2 cm, lanceolate-elliptic to ovate-lanceolate, coriaceous, undulate, with lateral veins diverging at 30–50° from midrib; base symmetric; apex acute to acuminate. Umbels axillary, of 3–7 fls; peduncles 6–10 mm long, terete or subterete; pedicels < 3 mm long. Buds 6–7 mm long, diamond-shaped or broad-ellipsoid, green; operculum apiculate to conic, = or slightly < hypanthium. Stamens white; anthers oblong. Fr. shortly pedicellate, 4–6 × 5–6 mm, obconic with truncate apex; valves 3–4, enclosed or almost level with disc; disc rather narrow, flat or slightly convex.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Flowering: Jul.–Mar.