Kirkia acuminata is a medium-sized tree well known for storing water in its roots. This enables the tree to survive short periods of drought. It grows from 6 to 18 m high with a trunk diameter of 0.8 m.
The genus Kirkia is widespread in tropical Africa from Somalia and Ethiopia, south to Namibia and South Africa. Kirkia acuminata is the most widespread. It occurs in bushland, woodland, savanna, and rocky hillslopes. This tree generally grows on alluvial flats and sandy or loamy soils near rivers to dry soils and rocky slopes on well-drained and basic soils, but may also be found on various soil types.

The leaves of this deciduous tree are imparipinnate. This means they are pinnately compound with leaflets arranged along a central stalk. They also have an odd number of leaflets, ending in a single leaflet at the tip. The finely serrated leaves are crowded at branch ends. The leaves bring autumn colours to the garden, they turn red and yellow. The tree is monoecious, it has both male and female reproductive organs on the same plant. The greenish cream flowers of K. acuminata are small and appear in leaf axils with the new leaves. After flowering, sharply 4 angled fruits appear on the tree.

Kirkia acuminata makes a lovely specimen tree for the garden, but the root system can cause damage to paving, pools and walls. Although this tree is drought-resistant, it is susceptible to frost. The bark, fruit, and roots of this tree have been reported to be medicinal. They are used to treat numerous health ailments, including abdominal pains, backache, cholera, constipation, and cough. In addition to its medicinal uses, the wood of Kirkia acuminata is light and durable, making it suitable for carving and small-scale woodworking. In parts of Africa, the tree also plays a role in traditional cultural practices where it may be planted for spiritual or ceremonial purposes. Its adaptability to different soil types and elevations makes it an important component of local ecosystems, often providing shade and habitat for birds and insects.