Chionanthus pubicalyx grows as a tree up to 40 metres (130 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 30 centimetres (12 in). The bark is whitish or grey. The fragrant flowers are white or pale yellow. Fruit is purple, ovoid, up to 2 centimetres (1 in) long. Habitat is forests from sea-level to 1,600 metres (5,000 ft) altitude. C. pubicalyx is endemic to Borneo.