[2][3][better source needed] It is native to Taiwan, the Philippines, Borneo, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi.

Its fruits contain high levels of phytochemicals which are antioxidants, and stearic acid which has shown to have antibacterial properties.Litsea garciae has many common names across its native range.

[7] It grows wild in evergreen, broad-leaved forests and in disturbed, open sites up to 200 meters (660 feet) in elevation.

It is often found along rivers and on hillsides with sandy to clay soils, and prefers partly shady positions.

[8] Litsea garciae is a sub-canopy, medium to large evergreen tree which grows 10–26 meters (33–85 feet) in height.

When eaten raw, it is rolled in the hands or hit with a spoon to cause slight bruising in order to release the flavor.

The Selako use a poultice of the leaves or shoots along with shallot and fennel seeds to cure infections and skin diseases.

[3] Litsea garciae fruits contain a high amount of phytochemicals, which has potential as a natural antioxidant that can contribute to human health.