A very beautiful shrub or small evergreen tree with spreading, drooping branches. Rawsonia lucida occurs naturally in the coastal areas of Eastern Cape and Natal, slopes of the Transvaal Drakensberg and in the northern Transvaal, Swaziland and tropical Africa. Although this tree is normally found on medium altitude areas and montane forests, it sometimes occurs in bushveld, lowland areas.

This slow or moderate growing tree reaches a mature height between 3 and 11m depending on prevailing growing conditions. The tree has a neat growth habit with the foliage that consists of long, shiny sharply toothed leaves. The leaves are alternate with a fresh, green colour and a leathery texture. The bark of R. lucida is grey to reddish green and mottled. Flowers are a lovely, buttery to greenish white, and form a sharp contrast to the dark green foliage. These appear on the tree from September to November. The flowers attract many insect species and the fruit will lure monkeys, bush babies and other small mammals that feed on the sweet flesh. After flowering, yellowish fruits are produced, these change to caramel brown when ripe.

The Forest peach is not tolerant of hot, dry conditions and prefers to be planted in shade or semi-shade.  It can endure mild to moderate frost, but not for long periods of time.  It is an ornamental tree that will flourish in a temperate, protected area. It does well in shady areas where other trees might struggle and as it is a slow grower it is suited to a smaller garden.