A sarmentose shrub or small to medium-sized tree of rocky areas by streams or dry rocky sites, and in savannas; locally dominant; bole twisted and gnarled, usually with small, low buttresses. Slash thin and soft with an emerald green layer under the outer bark. Leaves of Hymenocardia have characteristic reddish/orange glandular points on the lower surface; domatia present. The winged fruits heart-shaped. See also H. heudelotii.