Symplocos anomala grows as a shrub or tree up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 50 centimetres (20 in). Bark is grey or brown. Its flowers feature a white corolla. Fruit is purple to black when ripe. Habitat is chiefly montane forests from 900 metres (3,000 ft) to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) altitude. S. anomala is found in Japan, China, Taiwan, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.