The fairly smooth trunk of the Maerua angolensis subsp. angolensis tree grows tall, in colour shades of pale grey to dark brown, sometimes blackish. Shallow undulations and varied tints are on display in the photo.

Young stems are yellowish or brownish purple with nearly white, raised lenticels scattered upon the surfaces (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; Pooley, 1993; iNaturalist; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw).