Large, fast growing tree, 25-35 m tall. Nearly circular in outline, 8-15 cm long and about as wide, the 5 lobes separated by narrow, deep sinuses, divided beyond the middle. Thin, bright pale green above, silvery white below, with 5 prominent nerves. Thick bright-red outer scales, the inner becoming yellow or pale green and about 1 inch long at the time of opening. Bark of young trees smooth and gray.
Older trunks reddish brown, furrowed and thinly scaly.