Shrub to small tree pf 2 – 10 (20) m tall. The tunk is often branched from the base. The branches are glabrous or sometimes pubescent an bear lenticels. The leaves  altenate , petiole of  1.5 -4.5 cm long, leaf blade elliptic, oblong, lanceolate, to ovate, obtuse to acuminate at apex, cuneate, to rounded at base, dentate at margin, membranaceous to coriaceous, 6-22.3 cm long  and 2- 11.2 cm wide. Inflorescence a much  branched lax or condensed many flowered axillary panicle up to 4-21 cm long glabrous to ferrugineous- pubescent. Flowers white or cream, up to  cm long and 0.5 cm in diameter. Fruit a globose berry, o,3-0.5 cm in diameter.

In Rwanda Maesa lanceolata is an important  medicinal plant. The leaves are used against skin burning, poisoning, madness and worms. There are also used to treat sanies blebs, poliomyelitis, psoriasis, pertussis, dysentery, abdominal colic, gastroenteritis, hepatitis and snake bites.

The fruits of Maesa lanceolata are used as a purgative, as a remedy for sorethroats, or eaten tocure tapeworm. A decoction of boiled roots is taken warn in small quantities for lower abdominal pain during pregnancy, for stomach problems in children, and for infantile convulsions.