The rose of Venezuela is a small, slow-growing tree with stout branches eventually reaching about 6 metres (20 ft).

The leaves are opposite, elongated and pinnate with twelve to eighteen pairs of oblong or lanceolate leaflets ending in a bristle-like point.

The globular inflorescences contain numerous crimson, red, deep pink or purple tubular flowers, each with projecting stamens and style.

[4] The rose of Venezuela flourishes in areas of forest that are seasonally inundated and is often associated with Virola duckei and Inga thibaudiana.

[6] The flowers of the rose of Venezuela produce copious amounts of nectar and are attractive to humming birds and butterflies.