A characteristic element of the Madagascan flora, it occurs in the central highlands, where it dominates a type of sclerophyllous forest or woodland.

Local impact through fire and cutting is seen as a form of sustainable use however tapia woodlands are now found only in scattered, isolated stands totaling at most 132,255 ha.

[5] Within a broader sub-arid to sub-humid region, tapia woodland is found in drier, rain-shadow microclimates, mainly on acidic soil on sandstone, quartzite and schist.

This forest has a 10–12 metres (33–39 ft) high canopy, with other trees including several Anacardiaceae, Asteraceae, Asteropeiaceae, Rubiaceae, and Sarcolaenaceae.

[9] Associated ectomycorrhizal fungi include the genera Afroboletus, Amanita, Boletus, Cantharellus, Gyroporus, Lactarius, Leccinum, Rubinoboletus, Russula, Scleroderma, Suillus, Tricholoma and Xerocomus.

[10] Regeneration of tapia mainly occurs through resprouting after coppicing and through root sprouts, similar to miombo woodlands in Eastern Africa.

The cocoons of the tapia silkworm Borocera cajani (in Malagasy landibe) are also collected and used for the production of silk, traditionally used for burial shrouds.

He suggests that tapia woodland has changed little in extent over the last century, and considers human impact a landscape "transformation" and form of sustainable use rather than a "degradation".

As main threat to tapia woodlands he sees the invasion by exotic trees, namely Eucalyptus and pines (Pinus khasya and P.