Voacanga africana is a small tree up to  tall with a spreading crown. The leaves are in opposite pairs, dark glossy green above and paler green below.
In terms of its physical characteristics, Voacanga africana is a compact tree that can grow up to  tall, boasting a broad, spreading crown. Its leaves come in pairs, displaying a distinctive coloration pattern with the upper surface being a deep, dark green and the lower surface a lighter, more muted green.