It is native to Cuba, Mexico, Central America, Guyana, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay.

Stem below cylindrical, between whorls triangular in cross-section, often alate, 35 – 120 cm long.

Usually 12 stamens, achenes 2 x 1.5 mm with one, rarely 2 glands separated by a rib.

[2][3][4][5][6][7] Vegetatively, resembles E. andrieuxii, nut differs by having distinct pellucid lines, a usually paniculate inflorescence and by achenes with beaks that are at most 1/3 as long as the body.

[citation needed] Deep, rich growing substrate and a good light.