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. W. ovata is found in Borneo and the Philippines.