The leaves have stalks and are alternate, oblong, glabrous, leathery and tough, with untoothed wavy margins and up to 33 cm (13 in).

Male flowers have a deeply lobed, cup-shaped calyx about 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter with two whorls of stamens.

[2][3] Cola nitida is native to Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria.

It is a lowland tree but can be found up to altitudes of about 300 metres (980 ft) in areas with deep, rich soils and evenly distributed rainfall.

It is reported to lessen fatigue, prevent hunger pangs, increase mental activity and reduce the need for sleep.

Cola nitida is closely related to Theobroma cacao, the cocoa tree, and the nuts have been used as a main ingredient for chocolate with a high melting point.

The timber has a use in building work, boat construction, furniture and joinery, musical instruments, utensils and carving.