The tall trunk of an Elaeodendron croceum tree is covered in bark that is grey, smooth and thin. Underbark that shows on old stems between persisting old patches is brightly yellow or orange. A yellow, powdery pigment is present on the old bark.

Young branches are covered in prominent brown and black lenticels. The bark is said to be very bitter, should one ever have to taste it (Venter, 2012; Coates Palgrave, 2002).