Small stunted tree c. 3 m high, strongly leaning. Bark fissured, grey. Shoots brown. Buds scarcely resinous; some scales recurved. Leaves ± sloping forward, pungent; resin canals marginal. Conelets broad ellipsoid, purplish-brown; scales ± subacute (i.e. lacking prickles or bristles). Isolated tree in low scrub. Occasional in cultivation in Hanmer area; most notable seen near Waiau Bridge