T. gabonensis is native to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo, where it grows in primary rainforests.

The trunk is typically straight and cyclindrical, growing up to 120 cm (47 in) in diameter, with steep butresses up to 3 m (9.8 ft) high.

The flowers may be yellowish-white to pink in colour and are borne on pedicels measuring approximately 1.5 cm (0.59 in) long.

It is traded on the international timber market under the name izombé, and used for boat-building, construction, furniture, mine props, sporting equipment, sculpting, and turnery.

[2] T. gabonensis is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature under criterion A1cd, based on its declining population and continued exploitation for timber.