Upper branchlets of Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus are often four-angled and green.

The alternate leaves in picture display their glossy blades on short stalks. The lower parts of the cream leaf midribs are conspicuous, disappeared before the blade tips.

Creamy white flowers grow from upper branchlet leaf axils from before midwinter and throughout spring (Venter, 2012; Coates Palgrave, 2002; Pooley, 1993; INaturalist; http://pza.sanbi.org).