The leaf blades are glossy green, oblong, and widest just beyond the mid-point, and have entire margins and a slight notch at the apex.

[2] Barteria fistulosa can be found in tropical Central Africa, its range extending from Nigeria to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

[3] Barteria fistulosa has a symbiotic relationship with the very aggressive ant Tetraponera aethiops, which makes its home in the hollow twigs and branches (known as domatia) and defends the tree against herbivores.

As well as deterring herbivores, the ants remove pieces of debris from the surface of the leaves, carrying them to the edge of the blade before dropping them off.

[2] Several parts of this tree are used in traditional medicine; the roots, bark and leaves are used to reduce fevers and pains; a decoction of the bark has various uses and the sap helps with the healing of wounds; some parts of the tree are used against snake bites and epilepsy; and the young shoots are thought to have aphrodisiac properties.