Microcos has thin leaves with prominent reticulate veins and texture resembling creased cloth or paper, making the plant easily identifiable.

The caterpillars of Chestnut Angle butterflies feed on Microcos. Like the caterpillars of other skipper butterflies, they create leaf shelters to hide from predators. The caterpillars rest in these shelters during the day and only emerge at night to feed on the leaves. As the caterpillars grow, they build larger leaf shelters, eventually pupating inside them.

The dried leaves of Microcos are used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear heat and dampness, and aid digestion. It is also one of the ingredients in the famous Chinese herbal tea "24 flavours".