[1] Its English common name is in reference to the timber which is similar in appearance to that of the European pear tree of the northern hemisphere.

However, in a more shady environment, such as deep afro-montane forest, it can reach a height of over 20 m. Its dense, shiny foliage is bright-green and it has smooth, gray bark.

[3] The best identifying characteristics of Apodytes dimidiata are its petiole and young terminal branchlets which are a unique reddish colour.

It grows naturally from Cape Town in the south, all the way along the east coast of southern Africa as far north as Kenya and inland as far as Gauteng.

[4] This tree's characteristics (evergreen attractive foliage; fruits that are not fleshy and therefore will not cause a mess; and a gentle non-invasive root system that will not damage paving) mean that Apodytes dimidiata is an ideal tree to plant around paved areas, near swimming pools, next to buildings, in small gardens and also anywhere that may need shade throughout the year.