Xanthophyllum subcoriaceum is a plant in the family Polygalaceae.

The specific epithet subcoriaceum is from the Latin meaning 'somewhat leathery', referring to the leaves.

[2] Xanthophyllum subcoriaceum grows as a shrub or tree up to 18 metres (60 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 20 centimetres (8 in).

The hard smooth bark is whitish or brownish.

The round fruits are pale green to brown and measure up to 1.7 cm (0.7 in) in diameter.