Much-branched tree 2–15 m high; branches more or less glabrous, ribbed when young. Leaves narrow-oblong to elliptic, mostly 3–7 cm long and 8–10 mm wide, acute, margins entire and recurved, discolorous, grey-green and glabrous above, below with a dense covering of silver peltate scales; petiole to c. 10 mm long. Inflorescences axillary, subpaniculate, mostly 5–6 cm long; pedicels to c. 1 mm long. Calyx 1–2 mm long, with obscure triangular teeth; corolla 4–5 mm long, white or cream, tube 1–2 mm long, lobes reflexed at anthesis. Drupe c. globose to ellipsoid, 15–25 mm long, c. 6 mm wide, fleshy, purple-black, glaucous when ripe. Flowers spring and summer.