Cape ash is a large evergreen or semi-deciduous tree with a moderately heavy, flattish crown; it usually grows from 7 - 20 metres tall, exceptionally to 35 metres. It has a short, crooked, heavily fluted bole that rarely exceeds 9 metres in height with a diameter of about 90cm. The bole is swollen at the base; it may be tall and fluted when growing in forests or much shorter or unfluted when in the open; it may also be buttressed.The plant is a popular traditional medicine and is commonly gathered from the wild for local use. The bark and roots are commonly sold on local markets for medicinal purpose. The plant also supplies food and materials as well as being planted to provide shade and shelter in plantations. A very ornamental tree, it is often planted in gardens and along the sides of roads in order to provide shade
