A small tree up to 13 m tall, young stems brownish. Leaflets are oblong and
glabrous, except on the margins and midribs. The leaf base is asymmetric, while the tip is acuminate.
Flowers are purple-white.
It is an important tree for soil conservation and improvement (nitrogen-fixing).
The tree is intercropped with tea in order to provide shade and improve the soil. The leaves are a good mulch material and manure.