A large flowering semi-deciduous evergreen tree characterised with a rounded crown, Milletia grandis is found growing naturally in coastal, evergreen forests from the Eastern Cape to Natal. In colder areas, the tree loses some of its leaves in winter. Although the tree remains stunted in poor soils, it can reach a mature height of 13m.

The barkis grey to light brown and smooth on young branches becoming flaky, rough and longitudinally fissured with age. Leaves of Millettia grandis are alternate and pinnately compound with 3 to 15 pairs of leaflets. Young branches also have dark brown, velvety hairs. In summer, the tree bears pear shaped mauve to lilac flowers that cover the whole tree. These are followed in autumn by velvety, golden brown seed pods.

In Spring, the new leaves which emerge on the tree exhibit a beautiful bronze colour making the gardens more beautiful. Umzimbeet does not have an invasive root system hence, it can be planted as a windbreak close to the boundary wall. This beautiful tree attracts butterflies and birds to the garden. It can also be planted as a street tree or specimen tree in the garden. Millettia grandis can tolerate frost to an extent, it is not drought hardy and needs to be watered regularly during dry spells.