The specific epithet costatum means 'ribbed', referring to the leaf veins.

[3] Dracontomelon costatum grows as a tree up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 65 cm (26 in).

The ovoid to ellipsoid fruits ripen black and measure up to 2 cm (0.8 in) long.

[3] Dracontomelon costatum has been assessed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.

It is threatened by logging for its timber and the conversion of its habitat for plantations, particularly for palm oil.