It is native to the tropical region of America and very common in the warm forests of Venezuela. It is a large tree that generates a lot of shade and grows to between 6 to 12 m. in height. It has small white flowers that usually appear in the last months of the year. Its fruits are rounded drupes of 1 to 2 cm. in diameter, with a bitter flavor that is toxic. Propagation occurs by seed. Its growth is slow and not very demanding, since it can even appear in soils poor in organic substance.

The green seeds of this tree are used to wash clothes.