[3] Picconia excelsa is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing 10–15 m (33–49 ft) tall with a somewhat open crown.

The leathery leaves are elliptic to obovate in shape and arranged opposite one another, each measuring 6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 in) long.

The fruit is a fleshy drupe with a single seed, similar to an olive, and measures approximately 2 cm (0.79 in) long.

[1] It is known to be a host for the epiphytic liverwort Frullania polysticta, a laurel forest habitat specialist also endemic to Macaronesia.

[5] Previously assessed as vulnerable in 1998, Picconia excelsa is listed as least concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as of 2017 on account of its prevalence throughout its range, its apparently stable population, and the absence of major threats.