The fruit are about the size of a large apple with a smooth and hard shell that when ripened is a mild shade of orange in colour.

The seeds have the shape of a flattened disk completely covered with hairs radiating from the center of the sides.

The seeds are very hard, with a dark gray horny endosperm where the small embryo is housed that gives off no odor but possesses a very bitter taste.

It is a major source of the highly poisonous, intensely bitter alkaloids strychnine and brucine derived from the seeds inside the tree's round, green to orange fruit.

[7] Strychnos is promoted within alternative medicine as a treatment for many conditions, but the claims are not supported by medical evidence.

[8] Strychnos is promoted within herbal medicine as being a treatment for a wide range of maladies, including cancer and heart disease.

The plant appears on the Commission E list of unapproved herbs because it has not been proven to be safe or effective and thus is not recommended for use.