Large tree; bark forming a persistent, fibrous stocking at base of trunk, smooth and grey above. Juvenile lvs opposite, petiolate, undulate, lanceolate-oblong. Adult lvs with petiole to 4 cm long; lamina to 17 × 4 cm, lanceolate or narrow-lanceolate, lighter below, coriaceous; lateral veins numerous and parallel, diverging at 50–70° from midrib; base oblique or symmetric; apex aristate-acuminate. Umbels axillary, of 5–7–(9) fls; peduncle c. 10 mm long, flattened. Buds subsessile, green; operculum c. 3 mm long, conic or acute, slightly < hypanthium. Stamens white; anthers ± oblong. Fr. sessile, 7–8 × 5–6 mm, campanulate or almost turbinate; valves 3–4, exserted or sometimes teeth only reaching mouth; disc very narrow, convex.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Flowering: Nov.–Mar.