Partially deciduous or evergreen tree to 18 m tall with dense bushy crown and crooked trunk. Leaves 10-22 cm long, opposite, elliptic-oblong, young leaves pinkish to reddish brown. Flowers c. 4 cm across, pale pink or purple fading to white, in narrow terminal clusters of 20-40 flowers. Fruits 1.2-1.6 cm long, capsule, dark brown, oblong.