The species name obtecta derives from the Latin obtegere (to conceal, to cover up), alluding to the way the inflorescence barely protruded beyond the leaves in the plant first described.

[2] C. obtecta is a cabbage tree up to 10 metres (33 ft) tall (generally much less), with a stout trunk 20–30 centimetres (7.9–11.8 in) in diameter.

[4] It also occasionally hybridises in New Zealand with C. australis, the characteristics of the resultant plants being intermediate to those of the parents.

C. obtecta is an attractive small tree which tolerates full sun but prefers shade when young.

'Green Goddess' (probably of Three Kings origin) has slightly glaucous, matte-surfaced leaves and stiffly upright fruit panicles.