A moderately fast growing, tall (to 30 m, with a trunk diameter up to 1 m), spreading, deciduous tree, native to the Indian subcontinent and requiring a rainfall of 500 - 2000 mm. The tree is good for erosion control, because of its strong root system. The trees are tolerant of salt spray and grow well near the sea shore.
The timber resembles rosewood and is a good furniture timber. The tree will coppice fairly well and is a good dense firewood. It sprouts root suckers vigorously when roots are cut or damaged.
The leaves are aromatic and used in Chinese cooking. The bark and wood are medicinal.
It is a good fodder plant, the foliage containing about 20% protein and it is alleged that one tree can provide 27% of a cows annual feed. It is also highly regarded for the light coloured honey its nectar provides.