Hunteria zeylanica grows as either an evergreen shrub or as a tree up to 15 metres (49 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 34.5 centimetres (13.6 in).

[4] Its habitat is forests from sea level to 350 metres (1,150 ft) altitude.

Local medicinal uses include for stomach-ache.

Hunteria zeylanica wood is used for weapon handles and as firewood.

[3] In Africa, the plant is native to Kenya and Tanzania and in Asia it is native to China, India, Sri Lanka, Indochina and western Malesia.