[3] Its fruit is an edible berry with about 1.5 cm wide in diameter and smooth, thin skin; they are green when unripe turning into red when they are mature.

This species colonizes disturbed habitats in tropical lowland areas, becoming part of the secondary vegetation, as well as gallery forests.

[2][8] The fruits are edible and in some cases sold in markets, as they can be eaten raw or processed as jam; leaves can be used for making tea.

A small reduction was recorded in patients' blood sugar levels after consumption [citation needed].

It is planted as an ornamental species,[8] for shade, and also because the flowers are a source of nectar and pollen for the beekeeping industry.

[8] In Costa Rica, seeds set in the wet season, but require conditions of light and temperature found in forest gaps.