Lecythis pisonis is a large, deciduous, dome shaped-tree with a dense leafy crown.

They are purple (occasionally white) with six petals and a central boss of golden stamens and are attractive to bees.

[4] Lecythis pisonis grows in the rainforest in north and eastern tropical America particularly in Brazil.

[2] Lecythis pisonis is grown as an ornamental tree with new pink growth and purple flowers at certain times of year.

Research has shown that the lipid content is similar to that of corn oil but a high level of certain heavy metals might be toxic and may limit their use as food.