Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus is a shrub or small tree of up to 7 m. It is an attractive tree that has a fair collection of common names earned in the regions where it grows. The following count among them: candlewood, cherrywood and kershout (Afrikaans).

The southern part of the distribution area ranges from the Cape Peninsula to southern KwaZulu-Natal in a broad coastal swathe. A second, physically discrete part of the natural distribution area lies in Swaziland and its South African surrounds, especially northwards into Mpumalanga.

The ovate to lanceolate leaves can be seen in the photo, taken in the southern Cape during May. The fruits appear yellowish here. They often bear a more orange coloured hue. Maybe these are yet too young, as fruiting is normally expected only from July. The fruits are three-lobbed and have one or two characteristic little horns, recognised in the specific name (Coates Palgrave, 2002).