A great tree for honey production, Nuxia floribunda is a small tree that usually attains a height of 3 to 10m. This tree can be distinguished from other members of the genus by its large and striking flowers. Its distribution in South Africa extends from the Cape midlands and Eastern Cape through Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga to Limpopo province.

The bark is fissured, rough and flaking. The light green leaves are opposite, 3-whorled and have distinctive red to purple midrib visible on immature leaves. N. floribunda bears white scented flowers from May to August, these flowers are borne in much branched heads up to 300mm in diameter. The flowers are nectar rich attracting many bees to the garden. These are followed by fruits which appear in form of ovoid capsules splitting into two valves.

This beautiful tree is relatively sensitive to frost and is moderately fast growing when planted in moist soils. Because of its nice, rounded crown, beautiful flowers and lush green leaves, this tree delights gardeners all year round. The root system is not aggressive or invasive, making the Forest elder a suitable choice for planting in close proximity to roads, buildings and paving. Because of its small size, this tree is a good choice to plant in containers. The stem of the tree often makes interesting forms as it twists and bends into architecturally interesting shapes.