Protium heptaphyllum, also known as almécega, breu, and almíscar, is a species of tree from South America commonly found in the areas of Brazil, the Guyanas, and Venezuela.

[2] Protium heptaphyllum is a large, woody tree that is evergreen and can grow to be 10 to 20 meters tall (32 to 65 feet).

[3] Studies have not been able to fully understand the relationship between this species and the leaf-cutting ants, but it has been proven that they help with seed-dispersal and pollination.

The tree can be planted in squares and large gardens for producing great shade or in revegetation projects for permanent preservation, aiming to provide food for birds and monkeys.

[4] The wood has a reddish color and is used in civil constructions, floors, carpentry and joinery, its dense canopy provides ornamental purposes to the plant and can be used in urban or rural areas.