Markhamia lutea is an upright evergreen tree 10-15 m high, with a narrow, irregular crown and long taproot. Bark light brown with fine vertical fissures. Fruit very long, thin, brown capsules, to 75 cm in length, hanging in clusters and tending to spiral, splitting on the tree to release abundant seed with transparent wings, 2.5 cm long and yellow-whitish when mature. Recommended for use in soil-conservation. It provides good bee forage. Trees are a source of firewood and produce good charcoal. Fuelwood is used to cure tobacco in western Kenya. The wood, which is fairly resistant to termites, is used for furniture, poles, posts, tool handles and boat building. The species provides useful shade and acts as a windbreak. Leaves are known to have medicinal value. Attractive and worth planting as a screen or background tree for gardens and on golf courses. M. lutea poles can be used as props to support banana trees. It provides mulch, which enhances soil-moisture retention and increases organic matter.