It is found in Benin, Cameroon, The Gambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

The fruit, seeds ("bitter kola nuts") and bark of the plant have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat ailments from coughs to fever.

According to a report from the Center For International Forestry Research, Garcinia kola trade is still important to the indigenous communities and villages in Nigeria.

[2] The seeds are used for liver disorders, bronchitis, throat infections, colic, head or chest colds, and cough.

Factors that have discouraged farmers from growing Garcinia kola include difficulties in germination that reduces seedling availability.