Cupaniopsis anacardioides is a tree that typically grows to a height of up to 11 m (36 ft), with a dbh of 50 cm (20 in).

Flowering occurs in June and July and the fruit is a golden yellow capsule, tinged with red.

[2] The usual habitat of this species in on rocky beaches, in hilly scrub and forest in littoral rainforest on sand or near estuaries.

[2][3] Cupaniopsis anacardioides has been introduced to Pakistan, Florida and Hawaii and is an invasive species in the United States.

It was first introduced to Florida in the 1960s as an ornamental tree, but escaped into natural areas, forming dense monocultures and outcompeting native plants.