The straight and erect Bersama lucens stem seen here is grey and brown in blotchy patches, the side-branches being far apart. This tree grows either a single stem or becomes multi-stemmed.

The bark is usually rough. It is reddish brown and brittle upon young growth, while bark upon the twigs is often wrinkled.

Parts of this tree, particularly the leaves and roots, are believed to be poisonous. Still, a traditional medicine remedy is concocted from the bark for the treatment of women’s ailments and assisting procreation. The tree is much in demand for these uses (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; Pooley, 1993).