Afrocarpus latifolius is a slow growing indigenous tree of South Africa most valued for its timber. It is normally found growing naturally in mountainous areas and forests in the Southern, Eastern and Northern parts of the country. This tree can reach a mature height of 20-30 metres.

The dark green lance shaped leaves of this tree are spirally arranged on stiff upright branches. These leaves are soft, pale purple when young becoming lush green, thick, tough and rubbery when mature. Its bark is yellowish -brown, fissured and peels off in narrow vertical strips. The real yellowwood is dioecious, male and female parts are on separate plants.

This tree is resistant to a reasonable amount of frost and is the most frost resistant species of all Yellowwoods. It prefers good, deep and fertile, humus enriched soils, but will tolerate slightly loamy or sandy, coarser soils.
In landscapes, the real yellowwood is normally planted as ornamental trees along roadsides. They are also an ideal species for public parks. Afrocarpus latifolius can make an interesting container planted, it is also able to withstand short periods of indoors. Because of its interesting bark, P. latifolius is a good choice for bonsai.