It is an evergreen or deciduous tree, native to the mountains of tropical Africa and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula.

[3] Polyscias fulva is a deciduous or evergreen tree, with a straight trunk and a small umbrella-shaped crown.

[3] The foliage is composed of large compound leaves, which grow in bunches at the top of the branches.

Its tall crown makes it useful in crop plantations which prefer light shade, including coffee, cocoa, and bananas, and it is often left uncut when forest areas are cleared for cultivation.

[3] The tree is widespread in suitable mountain habitats across Africa, and is assessed as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List.