This tree is becoming rare due to over-exploitation. A very valuable termite-resistant timber tree. The timber is pale golden brown with paler streaks and is used for high-class furniture. The Maasai name, 'Loliondo' is often used in trade. It is among the most sacred trees for the Maasai, who shout the name to show the seriousness of a situation or matter. Neither do the Maasai use it as firewood. Over-exploitation has made it rare in Kenya. It is distinguished from the other species in that the leaf is narrower, to 5 x 15cm (3-4 times as long as wide), on a stalk about 2-4 cm long, the tip drawn out and pointed. The fruit is narrowly oval, about 1 cm long. This is a tall tree to 25 m or more, and often with a straight bole, narrow crown and occasionally buttressed. Branches are grey but with less prominent lenticels. Flowers small, numerous, white, borne on a large, sparsely branched flower head appearing, at branch tips. This species occurs from eastern Africa south to Zambia and Angola in lowland as well as upland evergreen forests. In Kenya it is mainly found in the western region. The wood is used in construction and for timber. Planting should be encouraged.