[1] It contains a single species, Distemonanthus benthamianus, a deciduous tree,[2] which occurs widely but sparsely in the forest regions of Tropical West and Central Africa; it is sometimes confused with Pericopsis laxiflora due to similar morphological features.

Trunk is straight but can sometimes be slightly sinuous; fairly spreading buttress roots at the base, free of branches for up to 20 meters.

Fruit, indehiscent pods[3] Tree grows in the high forest of West and Central Africa.

Occurs in Gabon, Central African Republic, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon.

Bark extracts are used to treat incidents of diarrhea by traditional health practitioners.