Platydesma rostrata [Melicope rostrata], a member of the Rutaceae (rue) family, is an erect palmoid shrub 1 to 3 m (3.3 to 9.8 ft) tall, with the main stem 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) in diameter. The shrubs are few-branched, with branches ascending and leafy towards the tip. New growth and inflorescences are pubescent. The mature glabrous leaves are narrowly oblong with a deeply arched vein. Flowers occur in axillary cymes (flowers arising from the point between the stem and leaf petiole or branch), composed of 3 to 9 flowers. Fruits are cross-shaped and glabrous with eight seeds per carpel. The new combination for this species is Melicope rostrata in the most recent taxonomic treatment in the checklist of Hawaiian Flora.