Tree 10-12m high; habit dense and widespreading. Bark pale grey, peeling in thin flakes, yellowish beneath. Shoots brown. Buds not resinous, scales whitish-silky in appearance. Leaves shining deep green, pointing forwards and ± twisted. Cones light yellow-brown at early maturity, 6-7cm long, narrow conical when unopened. Umbos short prickly. Spontaneous saplings nearby.