Maesa walkeri is a shrub in the Primulaceae (primrose) family with reddish branches and conspicuous lenticels and leaf scars. Leaves are alternate and ovate with ruffled margins and the prominent reddish veins and midveins are dark green on top and lighter below. The blades are 6 to 10 cm (2.4 to 4 in) long and petioles 2.5 cm (1 in) long, reddish and twisted. Inflorescences are axillary and branched, twisted, with inconspicuous alternate flowers. Fruits are 3 mm (0.1 in) in diameter, globular and brownish with longitudinal lines. Both calyx and parts of the petals persist on the fruit.