This species is characterized by its stiff-textured, somewhat small, elliptic, subsessile leaves, aristate stipules, terminal inflorescences with several pedicellate flowers, developed truncate calyx limbs, rather well developed corollas, and oblate fruits. The leaves are acute to rounded at the base and obtuse to acuminate at the apex, and have a thickened or thinly revolute margin. The specimens often dry yellowed.

Faramea nitida is similar to Faramea obtusifolia, with unbranched inflorescences and larger flowers. Faramea nitida is also similar to Faramea crassifolia, with secondary leaf veins that extend unbranched to unite with the margins. Faramea nitida is found in the same area as Faramea nigrescens, with larger petiolate leaves and more multiflowered inflorescences.