Scaevola gaudichaudiana is a shrub or occasionally a small tree, reaching heights of 1.5–3 m. Its leaves are simple and alternate, with broadly oblanceolate or obovate blades measuring 5–10 cm in length and 2–3 cm in width. These leaves have acuminate apices and bases with glabrous or glabrate surfaces. The leaf margins are toothed, typically in the distal third to half, and the petioles range from 0.5–1.5 cm in length, without stipules present. Floral characteristics include (3–)7–18 or more flowers arranged in open cymes that are 80–120 mm long, with peduncles stretching 20–60(–80) mm. These fragrant, bisexual (perfect), and strongly irregular flowers have a calyx that is 5-parted and minute, with a funnelform–unilabiate, 5-parted, white, and glabrous corolla. The corolla tube measures 12–20 mm in length and is split adaxially, featuring spreading lobes that are 6–12 mm long with winged margins. Stamens are distinct, slightly shorter than the corolla tube, and the anthers open by longitudinal slits to release pollen, which is collected by an indusium as the style grows outward. The ovary is inferior and ovoid, leading to an 18–22 mm long style and exserted through the corolla tube, curving downward near the stigma, which is 1–2-lobed. The fruit is a 2-celled, dark purplish-black or rarely white, ovoid drupe measuring 4–8 mm in length and 24 mm in width and is glabrous. The seeds, which can be numerous within each fruit, contain oily endosperm. It is found in wet forests between 170–800 m.