It is one of some 37 species of Duroia, which are shrubs or canopy trees in the family Rubiaceae, favouring ants (myrmecophilous), and occurring in Central America as far north as Mexico, the Amazon Basin, the Guiana Shield, the Brazilian Atlantic coast and planalto.

A number of Duroia species, and possibly all, are capable of biochemical interactions inhibiting the growth of neighbouring plants.

In the case of Duroia hirsuta, the chemical inhibitor is aided by the Lemon Ant, a resident on and in the tree, and playing an active role in suppressing and destroying plant growth in the vicinity of their host by injecting and spraying formic acid, and defending against herbivores - other ant species such as Azteca spp.

"[4] The cost to the host plant for this protection is considerable, since the resident ants subject the tree to increased leaf cutting.

[10] The environmental conditions that influence the fitness of the species also has an impact on the amount of rewards reaped by the ants involved in the mutualistic relationship with the plant.