[4] It is widespread, in some areas abundant, and not considered threatened,[1] but it is a protected tree in South Africa.

[3] At higher elevations and in exposed, coastal habitat it rarely exceeds 25 m (82 ft) tall.

It is smooth and ridged on young stems, but increasingly flaky on older trunks.

The gray-green seed is drupe-like with a woody coat covered in a fleshy, resinous skin.

The fleshy epimatium of the strobilus (or "cone") covers all of the seed, and ripens to a yellow colour, when it acquires a soft, jelly-like consistency.

[5] Animals that feed on the seeds include colobus monkeys, bushpigs, hornbills, turacos, and rodents.

It is also made into plywood and used to make many products, including furniture, boxes, vats, toys, farm implements, musical instruments, and railroad ties.

[3] Some examples of South African yellowwood antique woodworking were created with the wood of this tree.