These are fairly small trees about 4m (12’) in height and get their name from the flowers.
Snuff boxes are made from their hard-shelled fruit which, when the seeds are dried, make good rattles for children and anklets and armlets to add rhythm to dancers.
The seeds contain a drying oil which makes a suitable varnish but is too difficult to extract commercially.
The root provides a remedy in traditional medicine for treating dysentery and bladder complaints.
The wood is light brown and takes a good polish but the pieces are seldom large enough to be used.
