The showy, scented flowers appear in late summer, from February to May and are carried in dense, creamy spikes which have a bottlebrush-like appearance, and attract insects. The fruits are small, brown, two-horned capsules which release very fine, sticky seed. Seed is dispersed in two ways; firstly by visiting birds which fly off with the seed clinging to their feathers, legs and bills, and then by the wind which blows the fine seed away.

One of the most striking characteristics of the tree is the pair of stipules which enclose the growth tip. They are large and pressed together forming a spoon-like shape, hence the name "Butterspoon" Tree. The leaves are dark green and glossy with contrasting reddish leaf-stalks.

The Butterspoon tree does not grow well in very hot and dry or windy conditions, preferring a more temperate climate. Some frost is tolerated so it may be grown on the Highveld in a sheltered spot, preferably near water. It is apparently one of the fastest growing of South Africa's forest trees.