Rauvolfia media grows as a shrub or small tree up to 10 metres (33 ft) tall. Its fragrant flowers feature white to dull yellow corolla lobes. Habitat is dry forest and savanna from sea-level to 800 metres (2,600 ft) altitude. Extracts of the plant, mixed with food, have been used to poison pest animals. R. media is native to Madagascar and Comoros.