This is a deciduous shrub or low-branching, tree with a flat, spreading crown; it usually grows 7 - 10 metres tall, but it can be as small as 2 metres or up to 15 metres. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of fibre and wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental and has been recommended for use in agroforestry. The juice of the bark and cambium has been used as ordeal poison, placed under the eyelid. The leaves are febrifuge and tonic. They are used to make a tonic tea and for wound healing. The leaves contain rotenone and tannins. The bark is abortifacient. It is used in the treatment of colds, stomach pains, and bronchial problems. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.