Melia  is deciduous, open crowned and laxly branched. Mature trees range between 6 and 20 m tall. Trees with 25 cm diameter are common. The bark is grey, fairly smooth, furrowing with age.
 Leaf preparations are used as flea and fly repellents.
Intercropping: Most farmers in Kenya believe that M. volkensii is compatible with all crops grown. This, however, is dependent upon good silvicultural practice in reducing the shade effect of canopies, which would otherwise adversely affect light-demanding crops such as sorghum and millet. Due to its deep rooting nature, its interference with ox-plough cultivation is minimal.