Elaeodendron quadrangulatum is an attractive, evergreen tree. Leaves are glabrous, elliptic to ovate.
Elaeodendron quadrangulatum is very similar to Elaeodendron croceum (Saffron Wood) from South Africa. Saffron Wood is medium evergreen tree to tall with a neat, upright shape. The bark is grayish, with a conspicuous layer of a powdery yellow pigment in the freshly exposed bark.