Ochna holstii is an evergreen medium to large sized tree belonging to the family Ochnaceae.

[2] The bark is greyish to brown in color while the slash is pinkish turning reddish when exposed, stems are dark grey and lenticellate.

[2] Leaves have a papery texture and they tend to have stipules that can reach 15 mm (0.59 in) in length, petioles reach 3 mm (0.12 in) in length.

Leaflets are oblanceolate to elliptic in outline with a toothed margin, they can reach up to 12 cm (4.7 in) long and 5 cm (2.0 in) wide, the apex of leaflets tend to be acute to acuminate while the base is cuneate.

[2][1] Wood of Ochna holstii is used in making tool handles, in joinery and in furniture, it is also used in interior work and construction.