The fastest-growing and tallest Podocarp in Southern Africa. Afrocarpus falcatus is very similar in appearance and ecology to Afrocarpus gracilior. It naturally occurs from the southern Western Cape, through the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, and northwards to Mpumalanga and Limpopo. In South Africa, there are four Podocarpaceae species these are Afrocarpus falcatus, Podocarpus latifolius, P. elongatus, and P. henkelii. Afrocarpus falcatus and P. latifolius are widespread, while P. elongatus and P. henkelii have restricted distributions.

This tree was previously known as Podocarpus falcatus. Its botanical name was changed because molecular analysis and a reclassification based on its unique characteristics, particularly the lack of a fleshy ‘foot-fruit’ structure at the base of the seed, supported its move into a new genus.

Leaves of Afrocarpus falcatus are spirally arranged with smooth margins and tips that are sharply pointed. In young trees, the bark is smooth, thin, and greyish. In older trees, the bark is shed in round or chunky flakes. The Outeniqua yellowwood flowers from September to May. The flowers appear on the tree in the form of cones. Fruiting occurs throughout the year, peaking from December to January. The fruits are spherical, up to 17mm in diameter.

Afrocarpus falcatus can be planted as an ornamental and roadside tree. It is also sometimes used as a container plant and as a Christmas tree. It is also planted as a windbreak. Outeniqua yellowwood is frost-hardy, wind-resistant, and requires water, as it naturally occurs on misty mountain slopes with high humidity. It also prefers a well-drained, deep, humus-rich, and light-textured soil.  Afrocarpus falcatus produces good-quality wood and could make an ideal indigenous substitute for the exotic pine trees currently being used in plantations.