Corymbia torta is a tree that typically grows to a height of 12 to 15 metres (39 to 49 ft) and forms a lignotuber.

It has smooth, sometimes powdery white, cream-coloured or pale grey bark that is shed from the tree in thin scales.

[3][6][7] The specific epithet (torta) is from the Latin tortus meaning "twisted", referring to the adult leaves.

[3] In the same journal paper, Hill and Johnson described three subspecies and the names are accepted by the Australian Plant Census: This eucalypt is found in the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, Mitchell River National Park and Drysdale River National Park in the Central Kimberley and Northern Kimberley biogeographic regions It grows in skeletal sandy soils over sandstone or granite.

[2][4] All three subspecies of C. torta are classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.