The trunk of Bolusanthus speciosus is covered by brown to blackish brown or grey bark that becomes rough and deeply fissured longitudinally with age. Often multi-stemmed, the tree reaches heights from 4 m to 7 m.

Roots and bark are sometimes used to treat stomach disorders. The stems are used for fence posts as the wood is termite resistant. The wood is hard, good for furniture manufacture, although big pieces are uncommon. Good results are obtained from turning on a lathe (www.plantzafrica.com; Coates Palgrave, 2002).