Sterculia foetida is a soft wooded tree that can grow up to 35 metres (115 feet) tall.

[2][3][4] The branches of Sterculia foetida are arranged in whorls; they spread horizontally.

The leaves are placed at the end of branchlets; they have petioles ranging from 12.5 and 23 centimetres (4.9 and 9.1 inches) in length; the blades are palmately compound, containing 7–9 leaflets.

Sterculia foetida has been found in many areas, including India, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Indochina, the Philippines (where it is known as kalumpang),[7] United States (Hawaii), Indonesia, Ghana, Australia, Mozambique, and Togo.

[9] Evidence suggests that the seeds are edible, but purgative,[4] and should be roasted prior to eating.