philippinensis grows as a shrub or small tree measuring up to 12 metres (40 ft) tall.

The twigs are purplish when fresh, drying black.

The roundish fruits are red and measure up to 0.35 cm (0.1 in) in diameter.

philippinensis grows naturally in Borneo, the Philippines and Sulawesi.

Its habitat is hill and montane forests to 2,700 metres (9,000 ft) altitude.