Chionanthus pubicalyx grows as a tree up to 40 metres (130 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 30 centimetres (12 in).

The fragrant flowers are white or pale yellow.

Fruit is purple, ovoid, up to 2 centimetres (1 in) long.

Habitat is forests from sea level to 1,600 metres (5,000 ft) altitude.

C. pubicalyx is endemic to Borneo.