The wood of the tropical species M. laurentii has similar qualities and uses, but is slightly darker, and lacks the copious yellowish white resin of the heartwood vessels.

The large, lilac flowers[1] appear from November to January as seasonal rains commence,[2] and are produced on long, pendulous racemes.

[5] The highly priced and valued wood has a range of applications, including flooring, furniture, musical instruments and boat building.

The heartwood is very durable, as it is not affected by fungi, dry-wood borers or termites, but the sapwood is vulnerable to powderpost beetles.

[2] It accounts for some 45% of timber legally exported from Tanzania, and much of it is bought by Chinese buyers, who in turn re-export a portion to the West.