Evergreen shrub or small tree up to 3.5m, branches spreading, reddish and hairy when young. Leaves trifoliate, leaflets shortly-stalked, obovate, often toothed, upper surface dark green, under surface with short, dense, yellowish to almost white hairs; very small male and female flowers are borne on separate bushes in dense heads at ends of branches, whole head being densely furry and conspicuous; flowers pungently scented.

Fruit is slightly fleshy, about 6mm x 4mm, covered with dense, greyish, furry hairs.

Bark has been used for tanning and for making fibre for ropes.