Milky mangroves may grow as shrubs or trees up to 15 metres in height with grey to fawn brown bark marked with longitudinal rows of corky brown air pores (lenticels).
Surface roots occur in this species which when exposed to air at low tide permit the uptake of oxygen. Leaves are pale green to yellowish and measure from 5 to 11 cm in length and 2 to 4 cm in width. The leaves are basically oval in shape, with a pointed tip, rounded at the base and often finely toothed at the edges and are attached alternately on the stems.The major feature of this mangrove is the milky sap which exudes from the plant when branches or leaves are broken. The sap is poisonous and can cause severe skin irritation and temporary blindness if contact is made with the eyes.