[2] Stenocereus heptagonus grows as a tree-like cactus with numerous candelabra-like branches, reaching heights of 8 to 12 meters.

It forms a distinct trunk, and its upright to slightly spreading shoots can reach up to 30 centimeters in diameter.

[3] Stenocereus heptagonus is endemic to the West Indies, including the Greater Antilles, Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), Puerto Rico (Caja de Muertos, Culebra, Desecheo, Magueyes, Mona), and St. John's in the Virgin Islands.

Plants are found growing along with Bonellia stenophylla, Bourreria succulenta, Guaiacum officinale, and Maytenus loeseneri.

[4] The species was first described as Cactus fimbriatus by Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck in 1785 and reclassified into the genus Stenocereus by Alicia Lourteig in 1991.