Hunteria umbellata grows as either a shrub or small tree up to 22 metres (72 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 40 centimetres (16 in).

Its habitat is forests from sea level to 600 metres (2,000 ft) altitude.

Its numerous local medicinal uses include for fever, leprosy sores, stomach and liver problems and as an anthelmintic, especially against internal worms.

The plant's hard wood is used in carving and to make small tools.

[3] The species is native to an area of tropical Africa from Guinea-Bissau in the west to Angola in the south.