The tree can attain a height of up to 40 m and trunk diameter approaching 1 m with smooth, light-brown or light-grey bark.

It is distributed between 1700 and 2600 m. Currently the species only occurs in a few locations with remains of old-growth primary forest, on the slopes of the Occidental and Central Andean Cordillera, in Valle, Quindío, Antioquia and Risaralda departments.

Its distribution is critically endangered principally because of expansion of coffee growth, and livestock grazing areas, construction of housing and roads, and especially due to its overexploitation for use as sawnwood.

The flowers are solitary, glabrous; white to cream color, locates at the end of the branches, peduncle are thicker towards the apex.

Flower bud enclosed within an involucre by four bracts usually covered with pubescence; 3 elliptical sepals, white, fleshy; has from 8 to 10 petals cream colored, thick and oblong.

It is reported in the municipalities of Andes, Betulia, Buriticá, Caramanta, Ciudad Bolívar, Ebéjico, Jardín, Pueblo Rico and Támesis.

This is due to diminishing of its population size estimated above 50%, which, in turn, is caused by the loss of their natural habitats.

The safest and more recommendable way to collect the fruits is directly from the tree using a climbing technique that doesn't damage the bark.

In some cases when the trees are not too height and the branches are easy to reach, it is recommended to collect the fruit from the ground using an extension pruning pole.

Nevertheless, if it is not possible to proceed to the sowing immediately we can keep it in the fridge for few days with the red sarcotesta in a closed container with sawdust.

[6] Before sowing, it is advisable to stir the sarcotesta of the seeds, clean it with running water and emerge it into a solution of 1% sodium hypochlorite during 15 minutes to avoid fungal infestations.

Another option to improve the dissemination of the species is to mix the seeds (previously hydrated during 12 hours) with wet sawdust and to put it into black bags.