It makes an excellent screen, forms an effective windbreak, or develops into a large and wide-spreading shade tree (11 m high x 13 m wide) with a non-aggressive root system.

Kiggelaria africana is found in coastal and inland forests (where it can reach 20 m), in bushveld and woodland, along streams and on rocky hillsides-'koppies'. It is widely distributed in Africa, from Kenya in the north to Western Cape in the south. This is the only species of Kiggelaria in South Africa.

Reasonably frost-hardy, it likes a moderate amount of water, and a place in the sun. Always add plenty of compost to the soil when planting, and apply a thick mulch layer (organic material, e.g. dried leaves) to protect the surface of the soil. This tree grows in both summer and winter rainfall areas. It tolerates temperatures ranging from about - 2°C to 36°C.

Propagate it from seed or cuttings-set out young plants when 30 cm tall to prevent them from becoming pot bound. With good conditions, young plants grow fast and flower when two years old.

The variable leaves of this evergreen tree may resemble those of the peach.

Caterpillars of the Acraea horta butterfly (and A. igola) often strip this tree bare of foliage - one stage in a natural cycle, as the trees quickly recover and put out a nice new set of leaves. Larvae of the Battling Glider also feed on the tree.

The tiny, bell-shaped flowers which bloom from August to January (spring to summer), are yellow-green, with male and female flowers on separate trees.