Wikstroemia ovata grows as a shrub or small tree up to 5 metres (20 ft) tall.

Inflorescences bear up to 20 greenish-yellow flowers.

The fruits are roundish to ellipsoid, up to 1 cm (0.4 in) long.

The specific epithet ovata is from the Latin meaning 'egg-shaped', referring to the leaves.

Habitat is thickets and forests from sea level to 800 metres (2,600 ft) altitude.