It was first described by the German botanist Johann Friedrich Gmelin, the type locality being Mauritius.

[2] Ludia mauritiana is a small evergreen tree or large shrub growing to a height of 10 m (33 ft) or more.

The leaves are leathery and glossy, with entire margins, wedge-shaped bases and obtuse apexes.

[3] Ludia mauritiana is native to southeastern Africa and is found in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mayotte, Mauritius and the Seychelles.

It is used as poles for construction work, railway sleepers and mine props, and to make furniture, implements and tool handles, but the small size of the tree limits the utility of its timber and it is only used locally.