The Claudie tulipwood is a small tree growing up to 9 m (30 ft) high and a DBH of 15 cm (6 in).

[5][6][7] The dark green, glossy, compound leaves have 8 to 12 leaflets, and are quite large (they can reach up to 100 cm (39 in) long including the petiole).

[7] They are panicles up to 20 cm (8 in) long, and carry numerous flowers about 10–13 mm (0.4–0.5 in) in diameter, with a green caylyx and 4 or 5 white or cream reflexed petals.

Each valve contains a single black seed which is almost or completely covered by a bright yellow aril.

[5][6][7] In Australia, flowering occurs from October to July, and fruits ripen from April to November.