Grows 25m to 40m, a large deciduous tree with a flat top. Has smooth bark. Leaves are pinnate and flowers are white-pink in clusters. Mature seed pods are shiny/glossy and reddish or purplish brown. Compare the characteristics seen in the illustration to those seen in the pressed plant. Distribution: Central, Eastern, North Eastern, Coast, Nyanza, Nairobi and Western regions. Grown in almost any forest or riverine environment. Use: Timber and medicine. Leaves are used to ripen bananas rapidly. Flowers are a nectar source for bees.