A Trema orientalis stem-tip may show slight zigzagging between the nodes from where the leaves and side-branches grow.

The trunk of this tree is usually straight and erect with slightly ascending, up-curving branches. The bark is pale grey and smooth on both trunk and branches. Whitish, raised lenticels and hairs are usually seen on young stems.

The wood is pinkish to off-white, soft, light and of little commercial value, on occasion used for making fruit boxes (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; Pooley, 1993; Van Wyk, 1984).