Cryptocarya woodii is known for either single-stemmed or multi-stemmed growth forms. Young stems are slightly angular, while old ones may become fluted.

The dark grey bark is smooth or wrinkled. The wood is hard and brown.

The photo was taken in Kirstenbosch (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; Pooley, 1993).