It is also reportedly naturalized on various islands (Pacific and Indian Oceans, plus the Caribbean) as well as scattered locations in Africa, South America, and Florida.

These are large trees, 15–40 m (49–131 ft) tall, with spreading, drooping, and rising branches.

The inflorescence consists of terminal plumes of small, creamy white, bell-shaped, fragrant flowers, branching from the base.

The fruits are rather large drupes with a fleshy exocarp and a thin, woody endocarp.

The name Aleurites is derived from the Ancient Greek: ἄλευρον meaning "wheaten flour" or "ground meal",[7] because of the appearance of the lower surface of the leaf.