It is characterized by a short bole and an open, pyramidal crown, composed of whorls of spreading branches. Leaves Leaves are linear, 1.5 inches long, rounded at the back, 2-ranked, and persistent for several years. The leaf apex is stout and sharp. Leaf bases are short-stalked. Leave surfaces are lustrous dark green above, silvery white below.
Leaves occur at the ends of stout branches in dense, ball-like tufts.
Leaves are bright green, slender, flexible, and 3-sided. These leaves begin to fall off in the second season. The flowers are dioecious. The male is solitary, with yellow stamens. Females are also solitary and purple.