[1] It is an evergreen shrub or small tree 3–8 m (9.8–26.2 ft) tall.

The flowers are fragrant, borne on top of the branches, in umbels and in groups of two to four.

The fruit is a cylindrical, 2.5–5 cm long capsule, 6-angled along its length, bearing numerous small seeds.

[2] In Hong Kong, where it occurs on Ma On Shan, Pat Sin Leng, Wu Kau Tang, and Lantau Island, it is a protected species under Forestry Regulations Cap.

However, in temperate climates it requires some protection, as it does not tolerate freezing temperatures.