The trunks grow over 30 m tall, with a diameter of 1.0-1.2 m. 

The different Afzelia species are known for their excellent properties. One distinguishes the species by the differently colored contents. However, wood anatomically the different species are difficult to distinguish from each other. Depending on the growing conditions, the properties of the wood may vary slightly. The heartwood is dark yellow to reddish-brown in color. The sapwood is pale yellow and 30-50 mm wide.

Afzelia, due to its excellent properties of durability, strength, resistance to chemicals, stability and appearance, is suitable for numerous applications. It is used for window frames, windows, doors, flooring (strips and parquet), sports floors, cycling tracks (also outdoors), interior and exterior paneling, construction timber, sills, stair treads, benches (outdoors and in public buildings), garden furniture, drums for chemicals, etc.