Chionanthus crispus grows as a tree up to 30m (100feet) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 60cm (20inches). The bark is grey. The flowers are white or purple. The specific epithet crispus is from the Latin meaning 'curled', referring to the petals. Habitat is primary forest from sea-level to 850m (2,790feet) altitude. C. crispus is endemic to Borneo.