The Zulu cherry-orange is an ornamental tree that grows well in sunny or shady positions and invites wildlife to gardens because of its attractive, fleshy, reddish-orange fruits. This small to medium sized tree grows to a height of 5m under optimum conditions.

The leaves of Teclea gerrardii are trifoliate, with narrowly winged and grooved stalks of about 10–25 mm long. The stem is smooth with mottled grey bark and often with circular patches, flaking to expose yellowish underbark; and the branchlets have lenticels. This tree flowers in Spring and early summer [from August to January]. The flowers are yellowish to green and are in short, unbranched, axillary inflorescences. After flowering, small fleshy velvety green fruits follow. These fruits are hairy when young, becoming reddish orange and hairless with maturity.

Teclea gerrardii can make a great container plant and it is suitable for growing in a small garden. This beautiful slow growing tree also has medicinal value, crushed bark decoctions of this tree are taken for chest irritations associated with coughs and colds.