Polygalifolium is derived from Latin, referring to the resemblance of the leaves to certain members of the Polygala.

It grows at the heads of mountain streams, or in rocky areas within crevices with shallow soils, often derived from granite or basalt.

Though at Mount Hyland Nature Reserve it grows to 25 metres tall and a stem diameter of 56 cm.

Single white flowers form from October to January, 12 mm in diameter.

The fruit is a grey hemispherical capsule with a flat base, 6 to 9 mm in diameter.