It grows up to 60 m tall, with a domed or flat crown, and a trunk typically clear of branches for much of its height, buttressed at the base.

The flowers are produced at the end of the dry season just before the new leaves; they are small and whitish, growing in loose spikes 10–12 cm long.

It is used for making furniture, table tennis blades (as outer ply), and musical instruments and prized for its workability and excellent colour and finish.

When finished in a clear coat, white limba results in an attractive light golden colour.

This species is reportedly relatively secure, with little or no threat to its population within its natural growth range, according to the World Conservation Monitoring Center in 1992.