Mafura  seed consists of a kernel covered by a red aril with a black spot. The seed  has two oils. Both the seed kernel and seed cover contain different types of fixed oils. The oil from the kernel is butter at room temperature. The oil from the seed cover is referred to as Mafura oil. It is liquid at room temperature and is edible. The oil from the seed kernel is called  Mafura butter. It is not edible and is a butter at room temperature.

Mafura butter is rich in essential fatty acids.  It is particularly  It is rich in palmitic and oleic acids with lower proportions of linoleic, linolenic and stearic acids. It has nourishing, revitalising effects on the skin and hair, and is used to treat a range of skin ailments. For this reason  Mafura butter is traditionally used as a body balsam and as nourishing butter for dry hair. In addition it is used as anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial balm to cure wounds and skin diseases. Mafura kernel oil is commonly used  as a substitute to shea butter and palm oil in cosmeceutical products.