Choricarpia leptopetala) is a common Australian tree, growing from Stanwell Park (34° S) in the northern Illawarra district to near Buderim (26° S) in south eastern Queensland.

Backhousia leptopetala is a small tree, occasionally reaching 20 metres in height and 35 cm in trunk diameter.

The leaves are opposite, simple and entire, broad with a fine leaf tip, and around 5 to 13 cm long.

The edges of the leaves are curled over and wavy, mid-green above, but a greyish fawny green underneath.

Flowers are small, cream or white, densely together in globular heads, appearing in July to September.