Pepperleaf sweetwood is a medium-sized tropical tree, known for its trio of smooth, elongated leaflets that sprout from a single point, giving it a distinctive, three-fingered appearance. This characteristic helps distinguish pepperleaf sweetwood in its lush forest habitat. Its robust, columnar trunk supports a canopy of glossy green foliage, while its small, inconspicuous flowers develop into hardy, spherical fruits that sustain local wildlife.