Benteak is a deciduous tree, native to the moist forests of Western Ghats, growing to 10-15 m tall. The bark is ash colored and peels off in strips. Oppositely arranged elliptic-lancelike leaves are 6-10 cm long, with 1 cm long stalks. Flowers are borne in large compound panicles, 20-30 cm long. Flowers are small, white, 1 cm across, with 6 oblong petals 6 mm long. Capsule is ellipsoid, 1-2 cm long. Seeds are winged. Flowering: May-June.