Helicia excelsa is a plant in the family Proteaceae. It grows as a tree up to 20m (70feet) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 25cm (10inches). The bark is dark grey to blackish. Inflorescences bear up to three reddish brown flowers. Fruit is black, ellipsoid, up to 3cm (01inches) long. The specific epithet excelsa is from the Latin meaning 'lofty', referring to the tree's growth. Habitat is forests from sea level to 1700m (5,600feet) altitude. H. excelsa is found in Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.