[6] Guilandina bonduc grows as a climber, up to 8 m (30 ft) long or as a large sprawling shrub or small shrubby tree.

The unisexual flowers are followed by large, flattish, spiny green pods which later turn brown, some 9 by 4 cm (4 by 2 in), containing one or usually two, glossy, rounded, grey seeds.

[11] It also occurs inland, in lowland secondary forest and disturbed areas near villages; this may be the result of the seed being accidentally dropped after being transported for medical purposes or for use as counters in board games.

The seeds are buoyant and retain their viability in both fresh and sea water, enabling them to disperse to new coastal locations.

[4] Tongans make the hard seeds (talatala ‘amoa) into leis or play with them like marbles; its spiky leaves and stems are used in fruit bat snares.