[3] Vavaea amicorum grows as a small tree, occasionally to 30 metres (100 ft) tall, with a bole diameter of up to 30 cm (12 in).

The leaves are obovate to oblanceolate and measure up to 22 cm (9 in) long.

[3] Vavaea amicorum is native to maritime Southeast Asia from Sumatra east to New Guinea.

It is also native to tropical Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.

[3] The species is present in protected areas such as Nadarivatu Forest Reserve in Fiji.