Leaves are alternate and simple, smooth, not toothed, 6–10 cm (2.4–3.9 in) long with a pointed tip.

The fruit is a blue to black, round to oval shaped drupe, 8–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long.

[5] This plant first appeared in scientific literature as Solenostigma paniculatum in 1833, published in the Prodromus Florae Norfolkicae by the Austrian botanist Stephan Endlicher.

In 1802 the explorer Matthew Flinders discovered and named Sweers Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria during his circumnavigation of Australia in the sloop HMS Investigator, and he carved the word 'Investigator' into a tree on the island, a specimen of Celtis paniculata.

[6] When the tree was damaged by a tropical cyclone in 1887, part of the trunk was removed to the Queensland Museum.

[2][5][7] In Australia it occurs from Kiama (34° S) in New South Wales to Cape York Peninsula, as well as on Norfolk Island.

[3][5] Celtis paniculata is a food tree for the blue beak, common aeroplane, tailed emperor and other butterflies.