This species is also known as Portia Tree or Pacific Rosewood. In Malaysia, it is often referred to as Baru Baru or Bebaru. In the olden days, its fibrous bark was used by seafaring Malays to caulk their boats. The leaves and fruits were also used to treat various ailments. It has been said that a poultice helped to relieve headaches and sooth skin itch. There are also claims that parts of the tree could be used in the treatment of asthma, dysentery and haemorrhoids. Modern research however, is targeted at identifying chemical components which could treat high blood pressure.