Tabernaemontana macrocarpa grows as a shrub or tree up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 50 centimetres (20 in). The bark is yellowish brown, brown, grey-brown or grey. Its fragrant flowers feature combinations of cream, white and orange corolla lobes. Fruit is orange, with paired follicles, each up to 16 centimetres (6 in) in diameter. The specific epithet macrocarpa is from the Greek meaning "with large fruit".