Isodendrion laurifolium, a member of the Violaceae (violet) family, is a slender, erect shrub, 1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft) tall, with few branches. The leaves, 4 to 16 cm (2 to 6 in) long and 1.5 to 5 cm (0.6 to 2 in) wide, are somewhat leathery, oblong-elliptic, narrowly elliptic lance-shaped, or rarely elliptic. The fragrant flowers are perfect and borne singly along the stems. The five petals, which are clawed and somewhat unequal, are purple with greenish white edges externally, and dusty purple on the inner face of the lobe. The fruit is a green, lance-shaped capsule.