It is native to El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico (Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Chiapas).

The smooth, greenish purple bark peels off in irregular thin shreds.

The broadly ovate and shortly acuminate leaves are clustered at the end of the branches.

When fully open they turn dark purple and at night a sweet scent emanates from them.

The fruits ripen from December to January and are erect capsules, about 25 mm long that open at the tip in two follicle-like portions.