Native tree of Guiana and tropical South America. Introduced and cultivated in Sri Lanka mainly as an ornamental. It is also used in traditional medicine in some countries and can be used as an insecticide.
Common native shrub or small tree in forests of wet lowlands. Flowering and fruiting from March to May. Bark, roots and fruits are used in traditional and Ayurveda medicine. Infusion of the leaves is a good insecticide.