This is an unarmed evergreen shrub or tree 5-12 m high or much taller in rain forest; A moderate to slow growing tree whose bark is smooth grey. The fruit is edible. The fragrant flowers are a source of nectar and pollen for bees. The tree provides good fuelwood. The wood is used to make bows, tool handles, barkcloth mallets, clubs and walking sticks. Poles obtained from the tree are used for house construction. The wood is tough, strong, durable predisposing it to overexploitation in its native range. The leaf or root decoction mixed with honey is used against pneumonia in Kenya. The roots are used as an anthelminthic. The steam inhalation of the leaves reportedly cures fever. The leaf litter enriches underlying soil.