[4] It is an important tree crop in Senegal as Gum karaya obtained from the woody species is exported from the country.

[5][6] A deciduous tree that is capable of reaching 18 meters in height,[7] it has an open spreading crown with buttressed base, its grey purple bark peels off in thin, irregular scales[5] leaving pale patches, while a slash reveals a fibrous, brownish to red inner bark and a white exudate.

The flowering period begins towards the end of the dry season between the months of February and April.

[5][7] Tests on stem bark extracts of the plant isolated the chemical compound, lupeol and a class of Procyanidin trimers.

A decoction of stem bark extracts are used as part of an herbal regimen to treat skin ailments and infections, fever, diarrhea and toothache.