It has coriaceous (thick but flexible) leaves, attractive white flowers and relatively large fruit containing an edible kernel.

Elaeocarpus bancroftii is a large tree growing up to 30 m (98 ft) in height and up to 60 cm (24 in) DBH, and may be buttressed.

[5][8] The inflorescences are axillary or ramiflorous umbels produced towards the ends of the twigs and carry a small number (less than 10) of individual flowers.

The fruit is a large, dull grey or blue/green, globular drupe,[a] about 4 cm (1.6 in) in diameter with a sturdy pedicel measuring around 10 by 15 mm (0.4 by 0.6 in) and contains a stone with a very hard, thick endocarp.

[6] The outer surface of the stone is generally smooth but punctate (i.e. marked with numerous small pits).

E. bancroftii was first formally described in 1886 by the German-born botanist Ferdinand von Mueller, in consultation with Frederick Manson Bailey, and published in Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland.

[4][6][10] His description was based on plant specimens collected on the Johnstone River by Thomas Lane Bancroft.

"[13] Elaeocarpus bancroftii is considered to have good horticultural potential, particularly for parks and larger areas, because of the attractive foliage, showy flowers and interesting fruit,[5][8] however there is little evidence that Australian local governments have adopted the idea.