The stems of mature Phylica oleifolia bushes angle up, fairly straight and sparsely branched. Branching starts from a short, thick, single stem close to the ground. Lower stem parts are leafless, the bark smooth and pale grey.

The fruits of these shrubs growing on the Piketberg Mountain are gradually turning red from green; the month is August. Only the female plants bear fruit (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Coates Palgrave, 2002; iNaturalist).