Close relative to the European Holly. A medium-sized to large tree, 8-20m, always found near water in forest. Bark is light brown and irregularly chunky; branchlets white, contrasting with the shiny, dark green foliage, young stems smooth, reddish, with raised dots. Leaves alternate, elliptic to elliptic-lanceolate, dark green above, midrib sunken on upper surface, margin entire, sometimes with a few teeth on the upper third, tapering to a point; short purple leaf stalks up to 10mm long. Flowers are small, white, fragrant, in small bunches in leaf axils; male and female flowers on separate trees, sweetly scented.

Fruits shiny, small, roundish up to 7mm across, tightly packed; attracts birds.

Fresh leaves rubbed together in water make a lather.

Hard, fine-grained white wood suitable for furniture and fuel.