[2][3] Although previously reported from the Andes,[4] further collections showed these to be the similar species A. acuminata, commonly found in South America.

The leaves are obovate to elliptic, 5–12 cm long, somewhat leathery in texture with a serrated margin and glandular on the underside.

It is an early successional species in areas disturbed by natural processes like landslides or fires, or by human activities like logging or forest clearance for pasture.

[1] In southern Mexico it is found in high-elevation tropical montane forests with cool temperatures with abundant rainfall.

[1] Two subspecies are recognized:[2] It is used for ornamental planting in warm temperate areas such as southern California.