Prunus africana is a medium to large, handsome evergreen tree with a spreading crown of 10 to 20 m when mature. It can become quite huge under frost-free conditions, but is usually medium-sized in gardens. The main stem is straight, with dark brown bark, cracking in a characteristic oblong pattern.

The leaves are smooth, shiny dark green above, paler beneath, with prominent midribs, shallowly serrated margins, pinkish petioles, and when crushed, have a faint smell of almonds.

The white flowers are scented, small, and borne singly or in sprays up to 70 mm long in the axils of the leaves (Oct. to May). The fruit is spherical, dull purplish brown, about 10 mm in diameter, in branched bunches (Sept. to Nov.).