Pseudopanax colensoi var. ternatus is a small native multi-branched tree that grows into a large shrub or small round-crowned tree (3-8m m).

It has leathery, compound, usually 3-foliate leaves arranged fanwise on a long petiole. The flowers (October-March) are yellowish and its inflorescence is a terminal umbel, similar to five-finger (Pseudopanax arboreus). Fruiting occurs October-March. It is endemic to the South Island growing in cool moist forests and shrublands in the damper regions. It is usually found at 50m to 1000 m.a.s.l.