Macadamia ternifolia is a small multi-stemmed tree which grows up to 8 m tall. The narrowly ovate adult leaves are in whorls of three on a stalk which is 4–10 mm long. Each leaf is 9–12.5 cm long, 2–3.5 cm wide and is dull above and paler below. They are stiff, smooth and leathery, with slightly undulating margins and points at the tip. The midrib is prominent below, and slightly sunken above.
Seeds collected from last season are viable and suitable for planting.