I am native to several East African countries. I have a very fast growth rate and in Uganda where I am cultivated in deep moist soils and at an altitude of 1500 metres, I can have a growth rate of up to 1 metre a year. I grow naturally in dry forests, woodlands, and evergreen forests. I am native to Kenya, known for my durable timber with pale brown heartwood resistant to preservatives. Here, my wood is often used for the construction of furniture, houses, hardware tool handles, and poles. My wood also works very well to be burned as firewood and turned into charcoal. I am also planted in coffee farms to provide shade. Apart from my practical uses, I have ornamental value as popularised by my small, white flowers. These flowers have a sweet fragrance that attracts many insects including moths, bees, and butterflies. I have some traditional medicinal usage as chewing my twigs is known to help heal tooth ailments. Furthermore, my leaves are also chewed to help treat headaches, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis.