In isiZulu[3] and Ndebele it is known as isiqalaba,[7] in the Northern Sotho language it is called segwapi, and in Venda tshizungu.

[7] In Afrikaans this species is known by the vernacular names of Afrika-witsuikerbos, grootsuikerbos, groot-suikerbos, suikerbos or witsuikerbos.

[2][4] This plant usually grows in the form of a small, erect to gnarled tree,[6][9] reaching up to three metres in height.

[7] The outer involucral bracts range in colour from pink,[7][10] to greenish-white,[10] to white.

[5][11] Countries it occurs in include Sudan (including South Sudan), Eritrea,[5] Ethiopia, Burundi,[4][5] Rwanda,[4] Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania,[4][5] the Democratic Republic of Congo,[5] Zambia, Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, eSwatini and South Africa.