This genus comprises five species of evergreen trees and shrubs. Three species are indigenous to New Zealand, while one is found in Hawaii, and another occurs in both New Zealand and Norfolk Island. The plants feature robust bark and vibrant green leaves, which may be narrow and resemble those of olive trees. Small white flowers are produced, leading to the development of red fruits, each containing a single seed.

Nestegis

Nestegis cunninghamii is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 20 meters in its natural habitat, although it tends to be smaller when cultivated. The tree features rough, corky bark and dark green leaves that can grow up to 30 centimeters long; these leaves are narrow in their early stages but become broader as they mature. In late spring, it produces clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers in the leaf axils, which are succeeded by green berries that gradually turn red as they ripen.

Nestegis cunninghamii

Nestegis lanceolata is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 15 meters in its natural habitat, though it typically remains smaller when cultivated. This species often develops multiple stems. Its bark is pale and cork-like, while the leaves are narrow, lanceolate, and leathery with a deep green hue. In late spring, the tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that emerge from the leaf axils or directly from the branches. These are succeeded by green berries that gradually change to orange or red as they mature.