A medium sized to tall deciduous tree reaching a height of 20-45m, and a trunk diameter up to 60-160cm. It has a slightly buttressed trunk and an open crown. The timber is used for light construction, short fibre pulp, veneer, plywood, carving, and wooden shoes. It is mentioned as a possible agroforestry species. This is a fast-growing tree. It occurs naturally from Nepal to New Guinea at elevations from sea level to 1300 m. The tree is best adapted to moist and warm conditions and it is often found along rivers, in the transitional zone between swamps and drier areas and on periodically flooded areas. It is used medicinally as an Ayurvedic medicine for uterine disorders, blood diseases and leprosy. Juice prepared from the bark of Anthocephalus chinensis is given orally to lower body temperature.