This is a very variable species, but it generally grows as a small to medium-sized tree.
Like many trees, in shady conditions it grows tall and sparse up to 14m in height, while in direct sunlight it forms a small, dense, domed tree of about 5m.

A very distinctive feature of this species is the way it grows its thorns in opposite pairs, at perfect right angles on the branch.
These thorns often become branches in their own right, similarly at striking right angles - both to the parent branch, and to the neighboring pairs of branches.

The leaves, also borne in opposite pairs, are small, light green and glossy, while the flowers appear in Spring as dense creamy-yellow clusters.
Each tree produces both male and female flowers, but they are functionally uni-sexual.

Another distinctive characteristic of this tree is the small, tough fruits which appear soon after flowering and stay on the tree for much of the year.
They are initially smooth and green, but they soon become black and dry, and remain firmly attached in small bunches to the tree.
They are relished by birds which are consequently greatly attracted by this tree, however they are also edible for humans.

Its one or more trunks can become twisted and knotted in larger specimens, and are generally a smooth, pale grey.
This is a very variable species, but it generally grows as a small to medium-sized tree. Like many trees, in shady conditions it grows tall and sparse up to 14m in height, while in direct sunlight it forms a small, dense, domed tree of about 5m.
A very distinctive feature of this species is the way it grows its thorns in opposite pairs, at perfect right angles on the branch. These thorns often become branches in their own right, similarly at striking right angles - both to the parent branch, and to the neighboring pairs of branches. 
The leaves, also borne in opposite pairs, are small, light green and glossy, while the flowers appear in Spring as dense creamy-yellow clusters. Each tree produces both male and female flowers, but they are functionally uni-sexual.
Another distinctive characteristic of this tree is the small, tough fruits which appear soon after flowering and stay on the tree for much of the year. They are initially smooth and green, but they soon become black and dry, and remain firmly attached in small bunches to the tree. They are relished by birds which are consequently greatly attracted by this tree, however they are also edible for humans.
Its one or more trunks can become twisted and knotted in larger specimens, and are generally a smooth, pale grey.
Canthium inerme