It is a small understorey, evergreen tree, often planted in villages, and known as osun in Yoruba.

The wood is of a very fine colour, and is used in woodturning for making knife handles and similar articles.

The tree's bark and heartwood are commonly used to make a brilliant but non-permanent red dye, which is soluble in alkali.

[2] Osun (camwood) extract is also used in some soaps and skin treatments, primarily among the Yoruba people of West Africa.

The extract of the Camwood can be formed into a soft soap like material that is thought to promote healthy skin.