The stems are known to be gathered from its habitat, which are marsh forests along creeks and rivers near the coast, and used as tooth cleaners.

The fruits are known to be edible and they consist of a layer of pulpy, sweetish flesh surrounding a single seed.

It is native to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Lesser Antilles, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina.

This species can be found in protected areas throughout its range of the Lesser Antilles and South America.

In Puerto Rico it is found in public forests, such as Maricao, Ro Abajo, and Cambalache.