The trunk of the African ebony may be a massive structure, as suggested by this small section of the lower branching on a large tree in the Sabie area. The bark is usually blackish grey and rough, sometimes described as appearing to have been burnt. Tall, erect, single trunks are also often seen, fluted on many of the old trees. Longitudinal fissuring and some flaking of the bark are common on mature specimens.

Young twigs are likely to be pink like the new leaves, turning to green and covered in hairs (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Grant and Thomas, 2001; Venter and Venter, 1996; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997).