Atractocarpus sessilis is a much branched shrub or small tree growing to about 15 m (49 ft) tall with a silver-grey trunk about 25 cm (9.8 in) diameter.

[5][6][7] The inflorescences are produced in the leaf axils, and as this species is dioecious, male and female flowers are borne on separate plants.

[5][6][7] This species was first described as Randia sessilis by the German-born Australian botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in his massive work Fragmenta phytographiæ Australiæ.

[4][7][9] This species is listed by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as least concern.

In support of its assessment, the IUCN states that while the total extent of occurrence of the species is more than 2 million square kilometres, threats exist in PNG but their impact is not known.