Khaya anthotheca is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 45 meters tall. It has a straight trunk that is free of branches for about half of its height. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown when young, becoming rough and dark brown with age. The leaves are compound, with 4-6 pairs of leaflets and a terminal leaflet. The flowers are small and greenish-white, and the fruit is a large, woody capsule containing numerous winged seeds.