[citation needed] The okoubaka tree is considered a trophophyte, meaning it is adapted to an environment that alternates between periods of heavy rainfall and droughts.

The tree forms a large bushy crown and has a straight and cylindrical bole (trunk).

[citation needed] The okoubaka tree is a hemiparasite meaning it is parasitic under natural conditions but is photosynthetic to some degree.

[citation needed] The tree is thought to be useful for various folk medicinal purposes in all of its native ranges (mostly the seeds and bark).

[citation needed] In Nigeria, the stem bark is used for the production of Maloff-HB, an anti-malarial drug.