Small to large sized evergreen tree, to 10 m
high, sometimes a dense shrub. Shoots hairless. Leaves oval, glossy 50-130mm x 30-60mm.
Long panicles of small
cream-coloured fragrant flowers, Nov-Mar. Fruit to 6 x 5 mm, bluish or purplish-black. This is the largest of the privets in NZ and unclipped trees become wide spreading and reach c.14 m.