M. excelsa is a fast-growing species and coppices readily. Young trees should be protected from browsing. Trees are ready for harvesting at about 50 years of age. After extraction, the seeds should be dried in the shade for a few days. The tree can tolerate a dry season of up to 6 months and can grow in areas with mean annual rainfall as low as 700 mm provided it has access to extra water from a perennial stream or underground source. It does not tolerate waterlogging. Mvule can be planted for the production of timber and charcoal. Mvule is one of the most popular timber species in East Africa. The wood is an attractive brown colour, which darkens on exposure and with oiling; the hard, dark heartwood is durable on the ground, works easily, and is heavy, strong, open grained and resistant to termites. It resembles teak and is mainly used for outdoor construction work, furniture, boats, cabinet work, panelling, frames and floors. Mvule is an excellent shade tree.