[2] Common names include orchid tree (though not belonging to the family Orchidaceae) and mountain ebony.

[2] It is a small to medium-sized tree growing to 10–12 metres (33–39 ft) tall, deciduous in the dry season.

The leaves are 10–20 centimetres (3.9–7.9 in) obcordate shaped, long and broad, rounded, and bilobed at the base and apex.

The seedpod dries completely on the tree, and when mature begins to twist into a helix or corkscrew shape, (see below), ultimately exploding open—with a very audible "clack"—to deliver its seeds into the environs.

Secondary phloem was wide and continuous cylindrical, it consisted of thin and narrow straight rays, three or four cylinders of discontinuous masses of fibres and randomly distributed sieve elements.

Powder microscopical examination showed presence of fibres, parenchymatous cells, periderm and vessel elements.

[4] This is a very popular ornamental tree in subtropical and tropical climates, grown for its scented flowers and also used as a food item in Indian cuisine.

Kachnar buds are also eaten as a stir-fried vegetable and used to make achaar, a pickle in many parts of the Indian sub-continent.