The alternately arranged leaves have a pair of small stipules at the base of the long petiole, which is often a reddish colour.

The female flowers are followed by capsules about 1 cm (0.4 in) long, with two compartments, the seeds being partially enclosed by a fleshy aril.

[2] It also grows in northeastern Australia, in Queensland and the coastal strip of New South Wales at altitudes of up to 500 m (1,600 ft).

[3] The seeds have a long dormancy period, but germinate readily when the conditions are suitable, such as when the previously shady forest floor becomes illuminated by direct sunlight.

[5] The fruits of Homalanthus nutans are attractive to birds, including the brown cuckoo-dove, the silvereye, Lewin's honeyeater, bowerbirds and currawongs.