The bark is originally smooth and grey, but it becomes rough, flaky, fissured and reddish as the tree matures.

The leathery, dark green, glossy leaves appear in opposite pairs, while the pinkish-white, fragrant, bisexual flowers appear in bunches at branch ends in the spring.

It is now increasingly cultivated throughout South Africa, as a hardy and attractive shade tree for large gardens.

While its wood has historically been valued for furniture-making, its primary use now is as a large shade tree for South African gardens.

It is frequently planted for its aesthetic value, with its dense, dark foliage contrasting nicely with the bunches of pinkish-white flowers.