A small evergreen tree. Branches are smooth, fleshy and very tender. Leaves are alternate, obovate, and smaller than those of P. rubra; leathery, dark green, growing near branch tips. Flowers are large, white, and waxy, with spreading petals and yellow center, intensely fragrant. Flowers most prolifically in spring and summer. Fruit are a pair of follicles on a common stem. The plant has latex that comes out at every cut.
