Tarwoods are evergreen, ornamental trees which will grow in a wide range of ecological habitats. This tree closely resembles the Brazilian pepper tree, Schinus terebinthifolius of the same family, which does not have the characteristic red sepals.

The leaves are alternate and compound with 2 to 5 pairs of leaflets,including a terminal leaflet. Typical of the species is the conspicuous winged rachis (midrib). Young leaves are red. The bark is grey, with vertical fissures and shows bright red if injured.

The flowers are male or female, on different trees and produced in early to mid summer, from November to February. The male flowers are white and pleasantly scented and the female flowers are greenish white.

The petals of the female flowers fall soon, but their sepals enlarge substantially and turn pink-red, coveringthe developing fruit and creating a very attractive display.