Dioecious tree up to 15 m tall, or a low shrub assuming a prostrate habit. Branchlets stout. Leaves c. 2 mm long, opposite, decussate, appressed close to the stems, oval, apicular, Male and female cones not seen. Fruit oblong, 10‑15 mm long, black. Seed 1, oblong, 7‑10 mm long, grooved.

Type: Described from Tien Shan (LE).

According to Komarov (l.c.) a polymorphic species. Characterised by the large 1‑seeded fruit; Distribution: Soviet C. Asia, Pakistan (N. areas).