Chionanthus spicatus grows as a tree up to 17m (56feet) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 20cm (10inches). The bark is greyish. The fragrant flowers are yellowish green or creamy white. Its fruit is purple-black and round. The specific epithet spicatus (Latin 'spiked') refers to its inflorescence. Habitat is forests from sea-level to 1500m (4,900feet) altitude. C. spicatus is found in Borneo and the Philippines.