A tree to about 10 m tall with a rounded crown. Leaves lanceolate, 8-10 cm long, 2.5-4 cm wide, tip finely tapered, the edges wavy, pink at first, becoming leathery and dark green, smelling of aniseed when crushed. Flower clusters terminal. Flowers with 4 sepals and petals; spring to early summer.

This species shows a strong resemblance to Syzygium.

NSW.

VIC: Melbourne (Royal Bot. Gds, Australian Border).

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Myrtaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press. (as Backhousia anisata)