Chionanthus sabahensis grows as a tree up to 13m (43feet) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 10cm (00inches). The bark is green. The flowers are greenish white. Its habitat is montane forest from 1350m (4,430feet) to 2200m (7,200feet) elevation. C. sabahensis is endemic to Borneo where it is confined to Sabah.