[1] Myrcianthes pungens is a medium sized tree, up to 10 m high, with a not very compact cup, with a lot of pubescent branches.

The leaves are alternate, petiole, stiff, oval oblong, obtuse and acuminate, 4–7 cm, with a strong green color on the outside and lighter on the underside.

It presents small, globose fruits, 1 cm in diameter, dark purple when they reach maturity, with sweet and edible pulp and a large seed.

It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens, being able as a shrub for colorful fences.

The leaves can be used scattered on the ground in areas where flies abound, since when crushed they release a resin that drives them away.